INDONESIA
1.INDONESIA ROLLS OUT $51.65 BILLION STIMULUS PACKAGE FOR 2025 TO OFFSET VAT INCREASE -- JAKARTA GLOBE
The Indonesian government has unveiled a series of economic stimulus packages totaling Rp 827 trillion ($51.65 billion) for 2025, designed to mitigate economic shocks and address the weakening purchasing power of low- and middle-income groups.
2.GOVT TO PRESS ON WITH VAT HIKE, WHILE SOFTENING BLOW -- THE JAKARTA POST
The government is proceeding with its plan of hiking value-added tax (VAT) to 12 percent at the turn of the year but has announced multiple incentives to soften the blow for consumers.
THAILAND
1. THAILAND FAST-TRACKS RAIL EXPANSION WITH 280 BILLION BAHT INVESTMENT -- The Nation
The Transport Ministry is set to launch Phase 2 of the dual-track railway project in 2025, adding 1,488 kilometres across seven routes.
2. GRAFT BUSTERS PROBE THAKSIN'S STAY IN HOSPITAL INSTEAD OF JAIL -- Bangkok Post
The National Anti-Corruption Commission resolved to investigate several government officials accused of allowing Thaksin Shinawatra to stay at hospital instead of prison.
CAMBODIA
1.US NAVY SHIP ARRIVES FOR FRIENDLY VISIT - - AGENCE KAMPUCHEA PRESSE
The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Savannah (LCS 28) arrived in Sihanoukville, Cambodia for a port visit for a five-day visit. The Cambodian Ministry of National Defence said the visit aims to strengthen and expand the friendship between both countries.
2.CAMBODIA-KOREA TIES FIRM AIMD INTERNAL TENSIONS -- FRESH NEWS
The Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the ongoing political turmoil in South Korea will not impact bilateral relations. The ministry said close ties of friendship and strategic partnership between Cambodia and South Korea remain unshaken.
LAOS
1.AGRI EXPO TO HELP MODERNISE FARMING - - VIENTIANE TIMES
Vientiane is hosting the country’s first Lao Agri Expo to showcase sustainable agricultural practices and modern technologies. Loas wants to upgrade its agriculture sector to enhance production and processing, minimise imports and preserve foreign currency reserves.
2.HIGHER EDUCATION GETS AMERICAN SUPPORT - - VIENTIANE TIMES
The United States Agency for International Development-funded Laos Higher Education for Accelerated Development project was launched with RM36 million (US$8 million) to modernise higher education. It will strengthen institutional capacity, modernise academic programmes, develop the workforce and offer scholarships.
MYANMAR
1.LOCAL FACTORY PRODUCES COTTON UNIFORM FOR MILITARY - - THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
The newly established Tatmadaw Textile Factory will use home-grown cotton to produce uniforms for the military, police and schools. The thread factory will help to reduce imports, while its export of textile products will generate revenue for the government.
2. EFFORTS TO SELL AFFORDABLE IMPORTED PALM OIL - - THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
The government is working with the Myanmar Oil Dealers’ Association to sell imported palm oil at affordable prices to consumers. The domestic consumption of palm oil is about one million tonnes per year, while 700,000 tonnes are imported yearly from Malaysia and Indonesia.
VIETNAM
1.HARSH WEATHER CONDITIONS TO WELCOME 2025 - - VIETNAM NEWS
The weather department is forecasting extreme climate in the first two months of next year with thunderstorms, severe cold, frost and ice in the mountainous northern region. It warned that the harsh weather could impact agricultural production and public health nationwide.
2.EMERGING SEMICONDUCTOR INDUSTRY HUB - - VIETNAMPLUS
Vietnam has attracted 174 foreign-invested projects worth RM53 billion (US$12 billion) in the semiconductor sector. Investor-friendly policies, human resources development and the launch of a semiconductor industry development strategy and ecosystem helped the sector to grow.
-- BERNAMA
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