ASEAN and the world

Democrat Stephanie Murphy, an educator, businesswoman, and former national security specialist, is the first ever Vietnamese-American woman to be elected to the US Congress.

Donald Trump, born June 14th, 1946 is an American businessman and politician who is currently President of the United States.

Republican Donald Trump has defeated Democrat Hillary Clinton in a stunning victory to be the 45th President of the United States.

The Government of Thailand planned to spend THB98.8 billion (USD3 billion) in 2017 developing transport infrastructure with three motorways and 10 electric train projects.

The 51st meeting of the ASEAN Committee on Culture and Information (ASEAN-COCI 51) convened in Vientiane, Laos on November 8th, focusing on evaluating the results of regional cooperation in culture and information as well as seeking new partnership initiatives.

(CPV) - ADB and the Government of India today signed a USD48 million loan to help Assam state continue its drive to improve access to efficient and reliable power.

The authorities of Yangon city of Myanmar are planning to expand the city in the southwest direction with new seven satellite towns, reported local newspaper “Myawaddy” on November 7th.

Thailand's rice committee on November 7th announced a new loan scheme worth USD514 million to help rice growers struggling with record falling prices in the past decade.

(CPV) - Many countries in Asia and the Pacific need to expand their social protection programs to ensure adequate coverage for most of their populations, according to two ADB reports released on November 7th 2016.

The Philippines has recorded six more Zika virus infection cases, bringing the total number of locally-transmitted cases to 23, Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial told the press on November 4th.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo on November 5th cancelled his upcoming visit to Australia after Islamist protests broke out in Jakarta.

(CPV) - The 2016 edition of Key Indicators for Asia and the Pacific has just been released. Key Indicators 2016 provides the latest available economic, financial, social, and environmental statistics for the 48 regional members of ADB. Highlights of this year’s report include:

On November 6th, Irish Times reports that President Michael D Higgins has begun an eight-day visit to Vietnam and Laos that will focus on boosting bilateral ties, especially in trade, investment, development, education and training.

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has announced his cabinet.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo on November 5th cancelled his upcoming visit to Australia after Islamist protests broke out in Jakarta.

The Philippines has recorded six more Zika virus infection cases, bringing the total number of locally-transmitted cases to 23, Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial told the press on November 4th.

The Russia-Indonesia Business Council (RIBC) is seeking to draw Indonesian tourists to Russia and vice versa in 2016 and the following years to propel the bilateral economic relations forward.

Thailand’s authorities has stepped up security in Bangkok since November 3rd following an alert of possible car bomb attacks in the capital city.

On November 2nd, President of the Republic of Korea Park Geun-hye appointed Mr. Kim Byong-joon, a professor at Kookmin University, as new Prime Minister, replacing Mr. Hwang Kyo Anu.

Thailand’s military has deployed soldiers to seek cooperation from all rice mills nationwide, requesting them to buy grains from farmers at a “reasonable” price in an effort to prevent the plunge of rice prices on the market.

(CPV) - ADB has approved a USD50 million loan to improve the transport efficiency and safety of the M6 Highway from Vanadzor in Armenia to the border with Georgia at Bagratashen, one of the most strategic roads for internal and external trade.

On November 2nd, a boat carrying 101 Indonesian migrant workers from Malaysia sank off Indonesia’s Batam island, killing at least 18 of them, police said.

The Indonesian Embassy in Malaysia said on November 2nd that it is willing to cooperate with and help Malaysian fishermen if they face any problems or emergencies in the country’s waters.

(CPV) - ADB has approved USD65.2 million in loan and grant financing for Tajikistan to improve road connectivity between the capital Dushanbe and Kurgonteppa, two major cities and economic hubs in the country.

On October 31st, Mariano Rajoy took office for his second term as Spain’s Prime Minister.

The Egyptian Government has announced at least 22 people were killed and 72 injured in recent floods which swept through parts of the country.

Three astronauts have landed safely in Kazakhstan following a 115-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

(CPV) - ADB has approved a USD200 million equivalent loan to provide much-needed financing in local currency to micro, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Kazakhstan.

On October 26th, Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa began his visit to Cuba.

The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has decided to extend its presidential term limit to three consecutive three-year terms, granting Prime Minister Shinzo Abe a chance at a third term.