While ASEAN's status as an invited guest in the G20 affords the bloc some influence, permanent membership would give it crucial consensus-building power. ASEAN is important both economically and strategically, on par with many G20 nations, though its struggles with internal cohesion may raise doubts about its ability to be a coherent voice in global governance. But by uniting behind its goal, relying on support from existing permanent members and emphasising its economic credentials and commitment to global cooperation, G20 membership could be in reach for ASEAN.

Cambodian Minister of Commerce Cham Nimul said on Friday that the country’s trade with Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) countries hit $31.36 billion during the January-November period of 2024.

There is a huge potential to produce electricity here not only for the needs of Việt Nam but also for the needs of surrounding countries in Southeast Asia, said EU Ambassador Julien Guerrier.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has reaffirmed his commitment to welcoming and supporting Vietnamese investors, while receiving Nguyen Van Tuan, General Director of the GELEX Group and Chairman of the Board of Viglacera Corporation, in Havana recently.

Growth in bilateral trade between the Philippines and Sweden is expected to continue in the coming years, with optimism stemming from the country’s growing export performance, as well as the entry of more firms from the highly developed country.

India has pitched at the WTO for stricter regulations on subsidies granted by countries that are engaged in high seas fishing activities, an official said.

No visitor to Jakarta in 2023 could miss it: the Indonesian capital was festooned with the branding of the Indonesian ASEAN chair year’s slogan that spruiked Southeast Asia as the world’s ‘epicentrum of growth’.

Switzerland has suspended the unilateral application of the most favoured nation (MFN) clause with India under the Double Tax Avoidance Agreement (DTAA). Under this treaty, Switzerland had reduced the withholding tax on Indian entities operating in that country to 5 per cent from 10 per cent earlier.

The tariffs may sting, but Southeast Asia can still strike some sweet deals with the growth-focused Trump administration.

The National Scientific Conference under the theme “Tax management for imports and exports in the context of FTA implementation: Current situation and solutions” was jointly held by the General Department of Vietnam Customs (GDVC) and the Academy of Finance, on December 11.