Domestic businesses are advised to closely monitor market fluctuations and the political and social factors that influence trade, enabling timely and effective responses.

Vietnam aims to achieve an export turnover of 65 billion USD for agricultural, forestry, and fishery products in 2025. However, the agricultural sector is facing numerous challenges as several markets have recently introduced changes in regulations for agricultural exports. These new requirements demand that localities, producers, and businesses promptly update and comply with the regulations.

Southeast Asian nations are increasingly interested in the BRICS association, aiming to diversify their diplomatic and economic partnerships. But this potentially challenges ASEAN's unity and centrality. While Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam see benefits in terms of economic growth, trade diversification, and access to the New Development Bank, the move could also lead to marginalisation and disadvantages for ASEAN countries not included in BRICS. Given potential complications for ASEAN trade commitments, this could shift the region's geopolitics as Western nations may perceive the alignment as move towards China and Russia.

Britain's Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal will meet in New Delhi on Monday to restart talks on a UK-India trade deal, the British government said on Sunday.

The recovery in global demand will fuel the robust growth of timber and wooden exports in 2025.

Indonesia has been exploring new export destinations beyond the US and plans to accelerate trade negotiations in anticipation of new US tariffs.

Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone met with leaders of the Vietnam Rubber Group (VRG) in Ho Chi Minh City on February 22, urging the company to expand its investment in industrial rubber processing in Laos.

Building on the impressive economic achievements of 2024, Vietnam's economy is poised to enter 2025 with the expectation of sustaining steady and sustainable growth across all sectors.

Countries set to ink pact in early April

Malaysia may lead the admission of Timor-Leste into ASEAN in 2025, despite challenges like undeveloped social and economic systems and concerns over the nation's growing ties with China. Timor-Leste stands to gain from greater regional integration and economic diversification if it can leverage foreign partnerships, strengthen its institutions and implement required legislation, drawing on ASEAN's successful transformation of geopolitical challenges into economic and political growth.