These are the top stories making the front pages of major newspapers from across Southeast Asia today.
Get up to speed with what’s happening in the fastest growing region in the world.
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China will not bully smaller countries, Xi tells Asean leaders
Chinese President Xi Jinping has assured South-east Asian leaders that China does not seek hegemony and will not bully its smaller neighbours, even while tensions in the South China Sea have escalated.
At a special summit held virtually on Monday (Nov 22) between the top leaders of China and the Asean states to mark 30 years of dialogue relations, Mr Xi also pledged aid in terms of Covid-19 vaccines and funds to support the grouping’s pandemic response.
The meeting comes after a skirmish in the South China Sea last week (Nov 16) that involved the Chinese Coast Guard blocking boats carrying supplies to the Philippine military in the disputed Spratly Islands, and firing a water cannon on the vessels. - Straits Times
Govt has booster shot 'Plan B'
People may have to get a Covid-19 booster shot to be considered fully vaccinated.
Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said this was one of several options he was looking at if the uptake of booster shots remained low and to prevent a fresh wave of infections in the country (Malaysia).
"I cannot discount any possibility. I need to leave every eventuality on the table. - New Straits Times
BBL illustrates risks for the Thai economy
Bangkok Bank (BBL) predicts the economy will face a higher number of challenges over the next few years under a changing economic landscape following the Covid-19 pandemic.
The economy will gradually recover in 2022, supported by the country's reopening after progress in terms of the vaccination rollout.
However, the economy will face medium-term risks because of the changing economic landscape worldwide post-pandemic, BBL's senior executive vice-president Kobsak Pootrakul said at a webinar last Wednesday under an item titled "Light at the End of The Tunnel" in collaboration with Permata Bank, which is based in Indonesia. - Bangkok Post
‘There are things I have to do before retiring’: Duterte
President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday said he ditched his plan to retire from politics after his term ends in June next year because there are still goals he wants to achieve.
“There are just things that I have to do before retiring. But not really staying for something na (that) it’s no longer our time,” Duterte said in a speech in General Santos City.
He did not elaborate what these goals are but reiterated that “there’s always a time for everything.” - Philippine News Agency
Enterprises of agricultural export to China strive to adapt to new market regulations after COVID-19 impacts
China's increasing demand for imports of high-quality agricultural products has contributed to boosting the recovery of domestic production and export after the COVID-19 pandemic impacts.
However, that also challenges Vietnam’s agricultural production and export especially in dealing with China's new market regulations that require Vietnamese businesses to change to adapt with them, experts and experienced businesses have warned.
Deputy Director of the Asia-Africa Market Department, Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), To Ngoc Son, said the increase in the number of middle-class people in China has resulted in an increase in demand for high-quality products. More and more Chinese consumers request imported products with high quality and clear traceability. - Vietnam News
Cambodia recovers quickly after COVID-19 pandemic
Nine months after the February 20 community event, COVID-19 in Cambodia has been brought under control and the country is fully reopening in almost all sectors.
Chhay Sivlin, President of the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents, said that recovering from the February 20 event was a huge challenge and they should all remember it, and its lessons.
“Vaccines have played a major role in driving the Kingdom to the point where we can re-open. It took a great effort from the government, as well as the people, to ensure the success of the inoculation campaign against COVID-19. It is also key that Cambodia is well known internationally because of this success,” she noted. - Khmer Times
Indonesia must attract private investors for green transition: WB
Indonesia should try and attract more foreign investment for funding its green transition, the World Bank has said.
“It is essential to get the private sector’s investment and finance in also bilateral cooperation. This transition needs everyone. And for that reason, this is time for Indonesia to make itself attractive to the private sector and (obtain) foreign direct investment (FDI) to facilitate technology transfer and partnership,” World Bank country director for Indonesia and Timor Leste, Satu Kahkonen, remarked during a webinar held as part of the Sweden-Indonesia Sustainability Partnership Week and televised here on Monday.
Green transition necessitates technical assistance from the international community in the form of policy advice, technology transfer, as well as finance, according to the director. - AntaraNews.Com
Government to Spend Over USD 100 Million to Boost Domestic Production in Laos
A loan from China’s National Development Bank (CDB) will be used to fund select enterprises amid the government’s efforts to increase domestic production and exports to foreign countries, according to KPL.
Governor of the Bank of Laos, Mr. Sonexay Sitphaxay, spoke at a recent National Assembly session, saying that the Lao economy is under a lot of pressure as a result of major foreign currency appreciation, rising crude oil costs, inflation, and international interest rates, saying it will take some time to recover.
“The government will use funds from China’s National Development Bank (CDB), expecting to draw the first USD 100 million in installments until March 2022,” said Governor Sonexay. – The Laotian Times