ASEAN and the world

(CPV) - Enhanced connectivity through information and communication technologies (ICTs) as well as transport infrastructure development are some of the efforts needed to increase economic opportunities and create better access to goods and social services in the Pacific, says the latest issue of ADB's Pacific Economic Monitor launched on July 27th 2017.

The Republic of Korea (RoK)’s government on July 25th raised the country’s economic growth forecast by 0.4 percent to 3 percent as Asia’s fourth largest economy has been enjoying increased exports led by the global economic recovery, Yonhap News Agency reported.

(CPV) - ADB and Cantilan Bank, in partnership with Oradian, have launched a pilot project on cloud-based core banking technology in the southern Philippines. Backed by a USD150,000 ADB grant, Cantilan Bank will use Oradian's cloud-based banking technology to demonstrate how digital services can unlock financial opportunities for the unbanked and underserved segments of the population.

Malaysia has deployed 10,000 policemen to ensure security for the 29th Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) which will take place from August 19th to 31st.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte made the annual State-of-the-Nation Address on July 24th, declaring that the anti-drug war will continue, mentioning a plan to modernise the army and vowing to protect the people from extreme Islamic rebels.

The third meeting of the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) in 2017 will convene in Toronto, Canada, from July 24th-28th.

The third meeting of the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) in 2017 will convene in Toronto, Canada, from July 24th-28th.

The Senate Judiciary Committee on July 20th approved Christopher Wray to be the next FBI director.

An earthquake measuring 6.7 on the Richter scale struck off Turkey’s western coast in the Aegean Sea, killing at least two and injuring 200 people.

Economic growth prospects in developing Asia for 2017 have improved on the back of stronger-than-expected export demand in the first quarter of this year, according to a new ADB report.

On July 18th, the French Senate passed the new anti-terror bill by a vote of 229 to 106.

Japan has pledged to fund USD1 billion in the next two years for United Nations (UN) development activities.

US President Donald Trump on July 18th announced that former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman would be the US ambassador to Russia.

(CPV) - ADB has subscribed to 123 million shares worth THB1,968 million (USD57.7 million) of an initial public offering of Thailand’s B. Grimm Power Public Company (B. Grimm) to develop renewable energy projects in Southeast Asia.

On July 18th, Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop met her Indian counterpart, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, at Hyderabad House.

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on July 18th announced the Home Affairs Ministry was established, a new super Ministry to manage national security.

The highest leaders of Laos, including Party General Secretary and President Bounnhang Volachith, Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith and National Assembly Chairwoman Pany Yathotou, made their presence at a grand ceremony in Vientiane on July 18th to celebrate the major anniversaries in the Laos-Vietnam relationship.

The Cambodian Senate passed changes to the Law on Political Parties on July 18th, one week after the National Assembly adopted them.

The 14th Indian Presidential election began in the Indian capital, New Delhi on July 17th.

The Netherlands on July 17th unveiled a national monument in memory of the Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 tragedy.

On July 16th, the first round of legislative and local area elections were held in the Republic of Congo.

(CPV) - Officials from the Central Asian Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) countries, experts from international financial institutions, and private sector representatives gathered on July 18th 2017 for a 2-day forum in Astana to discuss financing and leapfrogging technologies for the region to tackle climate change.

The Government of Australia has provided AUD400,000 (USD306,000) in additional financing to the ongoing commercial transformation of the Banco Nacional de Comércio de Timor-Leste (BNCTL), supported by ADB.

The Government of Australia has provided AUD400,000 (USD306,000) in additional financing to the ongoing commercial transformation of the Banco Nacional de Comércio de Timor-Leste (BNCTL), supported by ADB.

The United Nations (UN) said it would ask countries to provide USD40.5 million for the Government and people of Haiti to tackle the cholera epidemic.

Heavy rains have killed at least seven and left three people missing in Gujarat state in western India, officials said.

Myanmar exported a total of 700,000 tonnes of rice during April-June, the country’s official media reported on July 14th.

Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry reported that the country’s GDP expanded 2.5 percent in the second quarter on a yearly basis and 0.4 percent compared to Quarter 1, driven by strong growth in electronics and manufacturing sectors.

A forum on the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025 Initiative and Project Concepts and the 8th ASEAN Connectivity Symposium took place in Alabang, the Philippines, from July 12-14, according to Vietnam’s delegation to ASEAN.

US President Donald Trump has nominated Mr. Dennis Shea as Deputy US Trade Representative, the White House said.