Asean member states

Last but not least, ASEAN leaders need to offer a co-ordinated and synchronised fiscal stimulation plan, substantially bigger than what the 10 countries have already announced in an uncoordinated way, making them less impactful. Stimulus measures can be an opportunity to invest in economic transformation and technological innovations that are necessary to deliver sustainable development. Both the short term and long-term stimulus measures should aim at achieving the multiple purposes of delivering economic prosperity, widening wellbeing, enhancing resilience, strengthening circular economy, and decarbonising growth. … [Read more...] about From containment to recovery: rescuing the ASEAN from crisis

Hanoi (VNA) – Thailand on May 29 decided to shorten the night curfew by an hour, starting June 1, when the country enters the third phase of COVID-19 lockdown easing. Secretary-General of the National Security Council General Somsak Rungsita said that the new curfew time will be from 11pm to 3am, instead of from 11pm to 4am as applied in the second phase. Thailand will also ease inter-provincial travel restrictions, but has not yet decided to reopen beaches, except cultural, archaeological and heritage sites, he said, adding that foreign tourists are not allowed to enter the country. On the day, the Thai Foreign Ministry announced that under the third phase of the lockdown relaxation, foreigners with work permits or permission from the Labour Ministry or other government agencies will be allowed to enter the country after registration. They, however, must have health insurance and a health certificate and will also be subject to 14- quarantine on entry to Thailand, either in a … [Read more...] about ASEAN countries continue loosening COVID-19 restrictions

Vice State President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh (C) at the visit to hospital K on May 29 She hailed the hospital, which treats more than 480,000 patients a year, for successfully applying advanced techniques and technologies to treatment. … [Read more...] about Vice State President visits children with cancer at Hospital K

Hanoi (VNA) – Vice State President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh on May 29 visited and brought gifts to children with cancer being treated at the Tan Trieu branch of the National Cancer Hospital (K Hospital) in Hanoi’s Thanh Tri district, on the occasion of the International Children’s Day (June 1). At the hospital, the Vice President applauded the contributions of the medical sector in general and the K Hospital in particular to public health care. She hailed the hospital, which treats more than 480,000 patients a year, for successfully applying advanced techniques and technologies to treatment. According to the hospital’s Deputy Director Le Van Quang, the K Hospital is the leading cancer hospital in the country. It has three branches with 2,400 beds in total and 1,700 staff members./. … [Read more...] about Vice State President visits children with cancer at K Hospital

Tokyo (VNA) – Sakai, a leading prestigious newspaper in Japan’s Kansai region, recently carried an article expressing trust in Vietnam’s success in its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2020. The article pointed to challenges facing Vietnam this year, including the widespread impacts of the COVID-19, protectionism, competition between powerhouses, and complicated developments in the East Sea. However, it said that Vietnam will overcome all difficulties to fulfil its role, given its experience of working as the ASEAN Chair in 2010 and the successful organisation of the East Asia Summit. The article suggested Vietnam share its experience in disease response with other countries. An expanded conference with the participation of big countries will not only benefit Vietnam, but also contribute to stabilising security in Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific region at large. The article said that 2020 is the year for ASEAN member states to reaffirm the central role of ASEAN. It … [Read more...] about Japan newspaper weighs Vietnam’s opportunities, challenges in 2020