INDONESIA
1.INDONESIA TO BUILD OVER 2,000 HOMES FOR TRIBAL CHIEF IN HIGHLAND PAPUA -- ANTARA
Indonesia's Housing and Settlements Ministry will help develop thousands of homes for tribal chiefs and residents in the Highland Papua province, a ministry official has confirmed.
2.INDONESIA TAKES STEPS TO ANTICIPATE USTR PROBE ON TRADE PRACTICES -- ANTARA
Indonesia is preparing for a potential probe by the United States Trade Representative (USTR) on alleged “unfair trade practices” and forced labor by coordinating with relevant stakeholders to present strong cases and evidence, an official said.
LAOS
1.ASSISTIVE TOOLS FOR STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DISORDERS -- VIENTIANE TIMES
The government, with the support of Australian experts, are developing special tools to assist students with learning difficulties, and help teachers identify disabilities effectively. The new resources will be tested in 18 schools this year.
2.ENCOURAGING ELECTRIC VEHICLES TO SAFE FUEL -- VIENTIANE TIMES
The government is urging people to switch to electric vehicles to reduce fuel imports due to the war in West Asia. Excise tax will be adjusted to encourage the public to shift away from fuel-powered vehicles.
MYANMAR
1.BORDER SECURITY TAKES CENTRE STAGE -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
Myanmar and Thai armed forces discussed a range of bilateral military cooperation to maintain peace along their border areas. Discussions focused on combating illegal trade, eradicating narcotics and environmental conservation.
2. SPEEDY RENOVATION OF ANCIENT MONASTERY -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR
Experts will complete the renovation of the 170-year-old Maha Min Htin Wooden Monastery in Mandalay within nine months. The monastery was damaged by a huge earthquake in March last year.
PHILIPPINES
1.NIA: MORE SOLAR PUMP IRRIGATION PROJECTS HELPFUL AMID OIL PRICE SURGE -- PNA
National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Administrator Eduardo Guillen on Wednesday said building additional solar pump irrigation projects would mitigate the impact of the oil price surge amid the Middle East crisis on the farmers, who still rely on diesel-powered pumps.
2.PH GETS SUPPORT FOR TRANS-PACIFIC FREE TRADE ACCORD MEMBERSHIP -- PNA
The Philippines is among the economies that have secured support from the members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) as it seeks to join the multinational trade bloc, a high-ranking Australian official said Wednesday.
SINGAPORE
1. SINGAPORE AND JAPAN UPGRADE TIES TO STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP, EXPAND COOPERATION IN FIVE AREAS -- CNA
Singapore and Japan announced on Wednesday the upgrading of bilateral ties to a Strategic Partnership, with expanded cooperation across five areas.
2. GENTING DREAM, STAR VOYAGER PASSENGERS TO PAY FUEL SURCHARGES FROM MARCH 20 AMID IRAN WAR -- THE STRAITS TIMES
Those going on a cruise on the Genting Dream or the Star Voyager will have to pay a surcharge of S$15 per person each night as a result of rising fuel costs amid the Middle East conflict.
THAILAND
1. CABINET ORDERS SUSPENSION OF OVERSEAS STUDY TRIPS AS ENERGY PRICES RISE -- THE NATION
The Cabinet has instructed all state agencies to suspend overseas study trips in a bid to ease pressure on public finances amid rising energy prices.
2. RISING COSTS PRESSURE RICE, WATER MARKETS -- BANGKOK POST
Producers of bagged rice and bottled mineral water have said they will maintain current prices until the end of April, with any future price changes dependent on developments in the Middle East.
VIETNAM
1.ADDRESSING RISING WAR-LED LOGISTICS COSTS -- VIETNAMPLUS
The government is considering a slew of measures to reduce the rising logistics costs due to the conflict in West Asia. It may temporarily reduce consumption and environmental protection taxes on fuel.
2.HARNESSING NEW GENERATION TECHNOLOGIES -- VIETNAMPLUS
Efforts are being made to promote artificial intelligence, 5G and 6G mobile networks, satellite communications and other emerging technologies by 2030. This will help Vietnamese companies to be more competitive.
-- BERNAMA
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