SINGAPORE - A technical glitch at entry points into Singapore led to rare delays at one of the world's busiest airports on Friday, with snaking queues and disgruntled passengers for several hours as automated immigration lanes suffered problems. The city-state's immigration authority said it had "resumed normalcy" at checkpoints by 4 p.m. local time (0800 GMT) and was investigating the cause of the disruption, after earlier reporting "system slowness" at selected checkpoints, including, Changi Airport and two land border crossings with Malaysia. Changi, one of the busiest gateways in the world, had warned passengers to expect delays and authorities urged postponement of non-essential travel. Passengers queue at the departure hall of Changi Airport Terminal 3 in Singapore March 31, 2023. Photo: Reuters It handles nearly 150,000 passengers a day while about 300,000 people cross daily at the Woodlands and Tuas causeways linking Singapore with Malaysia. Posts on … [Read more...] about Singapore sees rare travel delays as tech problem hits immigration checkpoints
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Malaysia’s central bank optimistic on national economic growth
According to experts, Malaysia in particular will be a bright spot, contributing to reviving the world economy in the context of a gloomy economy. (Photo: theedgemarkets.com) Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – The Bank Negara Malaysia on March 29 forecast that the country’s economy is projected to grow between 4-5% in 2023, amidst challenges rising from slowing global growth. The central bank said further improvement in labour market conditions, continued implementation of multi-year investment projects and higher tourism activities are expected to support private consumption and investment growth . BNM Governor Tan Sri Nor Shamsiah Yunus affirmed that the Malaysian economy will continue to grow and not fall into recession and the country's financial system will remain a source of strength for the economy in supporting the financial needs. According to experts, in 2023, the global economic environment still faces many challenges due to slow growth and tight monetary … [Read more...] about Malaysia’s central bank optimistic on national economic growth
Foreign minister hosts China’s Guangxi leader
An overview of the meeting. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son hosted a reception for Liu Ning, Secretary of the Party Committee of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region , in Hanoi on March 30, discussing a wide range of issues to boost ties between the two sides. During the session, the host proposed that the two sides promote existing bilateral cooperation mechanisms and programmes, expand friendship exchange between the people along the shared border, and effectively implement legal documents regarding land border and related agreements. The two sides shared delight at the sound development of the Vietnam-China relations over the years, especially after Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong ’s visit to China last year. They agreed that the success of the visit has given a strong impetus to the growth of the traditional friendship between the two Parties and the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries. … [Read more...] about Foreign minister hosts China’s Guangxi leader
ASEAN leader vows to support efforts against regional haze pollution
Bangkok (VNA) – Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Kao Kim Hourn has pledged to support efforts to combat transboundary haze pollution in the region. Hazardous haze affecting several ASEAN member countries was one of the issues discussed by the ASEAN leader and Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha during their meeting in Bangkok on March 30 as part of the former’s ongoing visit to Thailand from March 29 to April 1. The Thai PM underlined that transboundary haze crisis has posed a serious regional challenge that needs an urgent solution The problem has caused a health hazard and disruption to tourism not only in Thailand but also in neighbouring countries, he said, asking for the ASEAN leader’s coordinate efforts to tackle the problem and hold an urgent meeting with member countries to discuss a solution, particularly measures to reduce hotspots in the region. ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn agreed that the issue needs to be … [Read more...] about ASEAN leader vows to support efforts against regional haze pollution
Vietnam emphasises global multilateral approaches to solving climate change issues
A meeting session of UN General Assembly. (Photo: VNA) New York (VNA) – A global problem, climate change requires a global approach based on multilateral cooperation and institutions, particularly the respect for international law and the UN Charter, Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations (UN), has said. Vietnam’s engagement in UN resolution that urges the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to outline nations' legal obligations related to curbing climate change disasters and their impacts on vulnerable communities proves the country’s point of view, the ambassador said in a recent interview to the Vietnam News Agency right after the resolution was adopted on March 29. The resolution, co-sponsored by 132 countries, calls on the ICJ to lay out nations' obligations for protecting Earth's climate, and the legal consequences they face if they don't. The court's opinion would be non-binding. Giang described the adoption of … [Read more...] about Vietnam emphasises global multilateral approaches to solving climate change issues
Global minimum tax should not impact investors’ benefits: Conference
At the conference (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - Vietnam needs to develop appropriate policies to adapt to the global minimum tax and remain an attractive FDI destination , heard a seminar in Ho Chi Minh City on March 29. Dr Tran Du Lich told the seminar, titled "Global Minimum Corporate Tax - Prospects and Challenges in attracting FDI in HCM City", that the global minimum corporate tax rate of 15%, which is set to be applied next year in Vietnam , is forecast to have a significant impact on Vietnam in whose economy FDI plays a significant role. The tax applies to multi-national corporations with revenues of at least 750 million euros (870 million USD). When a company invests in a foreign country but pays corporate income tax of less than 15% in that country, it will have to pay the difference in the country where it is headquartered. As of today, 141 countries and territories have signed up to implement the tax. “It is estimated that 1,015 FDI companies in … [Read more...] about Global minimum tax should not impact investors’ benefits: Conference
Global dealmaking sinks to lowest level in over a decade
NEW YORK/LONDON -- Global mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity shrank to its lowest level in more than a decade in the first quarter of 2023, as rising interest rates, high inflation and fears of a recession soured the appetite of companies for dealmaking. M&A volumes during the first quarter slumped 48% to $575.1 billion as of March 30, compared to $1.1 trillion during the same period last year, according to data from Dealogic. A banking crisis that started in the United States this month with Silicon Valley Bank and spread to Europe with the Swiss government-orchestrated sale of Credit Suisse Group AG (CSGN.S) to UBS Group AG (UBSG.S) roiled markets and stopped many deals in their tracks, investment bankers and lawyers said. "The first quarter had extraordinary levels of volatility and uncertainty - more than expected going into the year. And that has the impact of postponing some announcements," said Anu Aiyengar, global head of M&A at JPMorgan Chase & … [Read more...] about Global dealmaking sinks to lowest level in over a decade