Asean foreign ministers

Officials attend the 27th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Retreat via videoconference (Photo: VNA) Jakarta (VNA) – The 27th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Retreat took place on March 2 and 3 via videoconference, ushering the first high-level engagement among ASEAN economic ministers under Brunei’s chairmanship. In its press release, the ASEAN Secretariat said against the backdrop of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the ministers and relevant representatives discussed post-pandemic recovery efforts across the region, progress made in ASEAN’s economic community-building efforts, and ASEAN’s external economic relations. The ministers highlighted the need for greater regional cooperation and collective action to begin the process of gradual economic recovery in ASEAN. Discussions on this included strengthening the resilience of regional value chains and supply chain linkages, harnessing technology to facilitate essential business travels and regional tourism in a safe manner, and committing to unimpeded flow of essential goods across the region. In line with this, the ministers endorsed Brunei ’s 13 priority economic deliverables which focus on recovery, digitalisation, and sustainability. On the ongoing digital transformation and accelerated digitisation taking place in ASEAN due to the pandemic, the ministers emphasised the need to ensure that benefits from digitisation redound to ASEAN’s peoples. ASEAN Secretary-General Dato Lim Jock Hoi underscored the critical need for innovative solutions and capitalising on digital technology to fast track safe reopening of ASEAN’s economies towards recovery. He cited, in particular, leveraging on the travel corridor framework to pursue common health protocols for possible health/vaccines certificates./. VNA …

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Tourists wear face masks at Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok in August 2020 (Photo: AFP/VNA) Bangkok (VNA) – The Thai government on March 4 unveiled its “ area quarantine ” plan to open Thailand to foreign tourists from next month. Minister of Tourism and Sports Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn revealed details of the plan after meeting with the Ministry of Public Health and 216 tourism operators. Area quarantine will be piloted in five provinces popular with foreign tourists – Chiang Mai, Phuket, Krabi, Surat Thani (Koh Samui, Koh Pha-ngan) and Chon Buri (Pattaya). The plan will be operated via 29 travel agencies supervised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Under the plan’s timeline, tourists will quarantine in their rooms for the first three days and then be swab-tested for COVID-19 at their hotels. If they test negative, they will be granted access to the whole hotel or resort until their 14-day quarantine ends. After 14 days they will be tested again. If no infection is found they will be allowed to travel freely through the quarantine area. Thailand’s tourism has been hit hard by the pandemic. In 2019, the country hosted 39.9 million visitors who spent about 1.9 trillion baht (63 billion USD), or 11.3 percent of its GDP. In 2020, the number of tourists to Thailand dropped to 6.7 million. The figure is projected to decrease further to 5 million in 2021, resulting in the spending of just 260 billion baht./. VNA …

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Several foreign women have reported being sexually harassed by groups of teenage boys and young men in Hanoi. The municipal Department of Public Security confirmed on Thursday it had ordered local police units to promptly investigate the cases and impose harsh punishment upon the offenders. Officers in Quang An Ward, Tay Ho District previously received reports from four foreign women who said they had been insulted and sexually harassed by some groups of boys and young men ages around 15 to 20 traveling on motorbikes with hidden license plates. Three of the women were staying in Quang An Ward while the other in Tu Lien Ward, also in Tay Ho District. Local media added that some Vietnamese women had also been harassed by these individuals. The incidents took place near the West Lake from late January to February. Police are collecting statements from the victims and eyewitnesses, as well as examining CCTV footage in the area where the incidents took place. They are also searching for potential suspects and have warned the foreign community in the area of such a situation. Quang An Ward police have advised local residents and foreigners in the neighborhood to avoid going outside alone or going to secluded locations. Those who have any information related to the incidents or suspects may contact the local police station via phone number 02437184128. Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh has requested the Hanoi People’s Committee and relevant agencies to promptly verify the reports and impose stern penalties upon those responsible. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! …

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