GMS in the News

Agreements for feasibility studies for (i) a planned wind farm and (ii) a 500 kV substation for electricity transmission in Savannakhet, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), was signed by representatives from Lao PDR Ministry of Planning and Investment, NASENG-WAYO Renewable Resource Development and Investment (a Lao PDR firm), and UPC Renewable Energy. UPC Renewable Energy and NASENG-WAYO Renewable Resource Development and Investment will cooperate on the feasibility study. 

The Royal Government of Cambodia, led by the Ministry of Environment, launched the Circular Strategy on Environment 2023-2028  on 15 November 2023.

Da Nang, Viet Nam, was recognized for excellence in smart urban construction and development, notably its excellence in environmental monitoring, by the country’s national association for software and IT services, 

Cambodia recorded 4.4 million international tourist arrivals in the first 10 months of 2023, a 180% increase over the same period in 2022. Tourism Minister Sok Soken remarked that based on this figure, Cambodia is expected to receive approximately 5.4 million foreign visitors in 2023. 

The digital marketplace prototype established by the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) of the Government of Thailand garnered participation from 13,200 entrepreneurs from 75 markets across 25 provinces in the country. It generated an economic value of over 450 million baht (around $12.80 million).

ASEAN member countries agreed to fast track the implementation of cross-border payments in ASEAN at the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia. This paves the way for ASEAN member countries to utilize local currencies when transacting in the region and promote regional payment connectivity. This move encourages the use of local currencies to support cross-border trade and investment in the ASEAN region.

The ASEAN Federation of Forwarders Associations (AFFA) met on 2 December 2023 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, for their 33rd annual meeting, and discussed facilitation of goods transportation via inter-governmental cooperation in the region. 

ASEAN countries have emphasized the development of logistics services, infrastructure, and trade facilitation measures, and promoting intra-bloc connectivity. 

Farmers are playing a pivotal role in Quảng Ninh, Viet Nam’s restructured vision for its agricultural sector for 2022-2025. The vision aims to expand agricultural markets, establish supply chains that integrate technology, and create a cohesive and sustainable agricultural economic ecosystem. Farmers are key drivers as the Government provides support, committing substantial resources to strengthen local farmers' capacity. Initiatives have included