Category: Business Trade

LaundryBar Earns ASEAN Record as the Largest Self-Service Laundromat Chain in ASEAN

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LaundryBar Earns ASEAN Record as the Largest Self-Service Laundromat Chain in ASEAN

LaundryBar, operated by City Coin Laundry Sdn Bhd, has been officially recognized with an ASEAN Record as the Largest Self-Service Laundromat Chain in ASEAN, boasting an impressive 760 outlets across the region. This extraordinary milestone highlights LaundryBar’s significant contribution to the self-service laundry industry, offering innovative solutions to meet modern consumer needs.

ASEAN Record Details

From a single outlet to a regional phenomenon, LaundryBar has set a benchmark in the industry. With 760 outlets in Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, Turkey as of 14th November 2024, the brand has revolutionized the concept of self-service laundromats in ASEAN.

This recognition from ASEAN Records honors LaundryBar’s commitment to innovation, convenience, and quality, showcasing its leadership in the market.

“We are proud to receive this prestigious ASEAN Record. It reflects our dedication to making quality laundry services accessible to millions while empowering entrepreneurs to thrive through our franchise opportunities,” said Ms Bella Leow, LaundryBar.

About LaundryBar

Founded with the vision of making laundry easier and more efficient for everyone, LaundryBar began as a single outlet and quickly grew into a self-service laundromat powerhouse. Today, LaundryBar operates 760 outlets across ASEAN countries, including Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, and Turkeys.

Key Innovations:

  • 24-Hour Access: Fully automated laundromats that operate around the clock, ensuring convenience for customers anytime, anywhere.
  • Quality Machines: State-of-the-art washers and dryers designed for efficiency, eco-friendliness, and excellent results.
  • Affordable Pricing: LaundryBar makes high-quality laundry services accessible to all with competitive pricing.

Entrepreneurship Opportunities:
LaundryBar’s franchise model has empowered countless entrepreneurs across the region, offering a proven system that combines robust support, effective marketing, and high demand. Their commitment to business growth has made them a trusted partner for aspiring business owners.

Impact Across ASEAN

LaundryBar’s achievements extend beyond providing quality laundry services. Their success has:

  • Created Jobs: Supporting local economies by providing job opportunities in the service and maintenance sectors.
  • Enhanced Convenience: Making laundry accessible to millions of people in urban and rural areas alike.
  • Reduced Carbon Footprint: With efficient and eco-friendly machines, LaundryBar contributes to sustainability goals in the region.

A Future of Innovation and Expansion

LaundryBar remains committed to pushing the boundaries of the self-service laundry industry. With ambitious plans for further expansion across ASEAN, the brand aims to solidify its position as a leader in customer-centric innovation.

“We will continue to set new standards in convenience, quality, and sustainability, bringing LaundryBar’s trusted services to more communities across ASEAN,” added Bella Leow.

For more information about LaundryBar, visit https://laundrybar.com.my/

ASEAN Records Officially Launched at the 2nd ASEAN Festival 2024

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ASEAN Records Officially Launched at the 2nd ASEAN Festival 2024

The ASEAN Records was officially launched today during the grand 2nd ASEAN Festival 2024, a four-day cultural festival held at GEM Box, Nilai. This monumental launch marks a new era in celebrating and documenting the extraordinary achievements within the ASEAN region, further strengthening regional unity and showcasing excellence.

Founded by Eldrick Koh and Gillian Ooi, ASEAN Records aims to honor exceptional achievements within the ASEAN community, encompassing individual, organizational, and collective contributions. With a commitment to fairness, credibility, and transparency, ASEAN Records sets a new standard for recognizing milestones that shape and inspire the region.

About ASEAN Records

ASEAN Records was officially approved by the ASEAN Secretariat on 1st December 2023, reinforcing its legitimacy as a trusted platform for honoring achievements across the region. The initiative focuses on measurable milestones that highlight contributions in areas such as cultural heritage, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

These records serve as benchmarks of credibility, ensuring each achievement is rigorously verified and meets the highest standards of authenticity. By celebrating these milestones, ASEAN Records highlights the strengths and potential of the ASEAN community, promoting pride and unity among its members.

The launch ceremony was officiated by Dr. Christina Yeo, representing YB Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture Malaysia. Distinguished guests from ASEAN embassies and key organizations were present, including:

  • Y.M. Tengku Dato’ Dr Hishammudin Zaizi Bin Y.A.M. Tengku Bendahara Azman Shah Alhaj
  • Mr. Eldrick Koh – Founder, ASEAN Records & Organizing Chairman of ASEAN Festival
  • Ms. Gillian Ooi – Founder, ASEAN Records
  • H.E. Thepthavone Sengmany – Ambassador of Embassy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to Malaysia
  • H.E. Aung Soe Win – Ambassador of Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar
  • H.E. Lisualdo Gaspar – Ambassador of Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste
  • Ms. Tran Thi Chang – President, Malaysia-Vietnam Friendship Association
  • Mr. Roussel Reyes – Consul General, Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines
H.E. Thepthavone Sengmany Ambassador of Embassy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to Malaysia
H.E. Aung Soe Win Ambassador of Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar
Ms. Tran Thi Chang President, Malaysia-Vietnam Friendship Association
Mr. Roussel Reyes Consul General, Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines
H.E. Lisualdo Gaspar Ambassador of Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste

The Vision of ASEAN Records

Our vision is to create a platform that not only celebrates achievements but also inspires a culture of excellence within the ASEAN region. These records symbolize the resilience, creativity, and innovation of the people and organizations in our community.

ASEAN Records is more than just a recognition platform. It is a movement to spotlight the potential and extraordinary accomplishments of our region, bringing attention to stories that inspire and unite us.

Asia Big Power Sdn Bhd has achieved an ASEAN Record for creating Malaysia’s Largest Rooftop Beverage Can Replica: BIG BEE Honey Drinks Can Replica, measuring 10.65 meters in height and 6.03 meters in diameter
City Coin Laundry Sdn Bhd has achieved an ASEAN Record for the Largest Self-Service Laundromat Chain in ASEAN, with 760 outlets
Eco Foodsoft (M) Sdn Bhd has achieved an ASEAN Record for ASEAN’s Largest Earthworm Farm by Monthly Vermicast Production, producing over 10 tons monthly
Rest N Go App Sdn Bhd (formerly Gintell Rest N Go) has achieved an ASEAN Record for the Largest Deployment of Vending Massage Chairs in ASEAN, with 6,691 units across seven ASEAN countries

A Platform for Achievements

ASEAN Records honors achievements that represent the diverse strengths of ASEAN, from cultural heritage preservation to groundbreaking innovation and entrepreneurship. Each recognition undergoes a rigorous verification process, ensuring the integrity of every milestone documented.

By recognizing these contributions, ASEAN Records fosters pride in the region and creates opportunities for collaboration and growth across member countries.

Performance from the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste
Performance from the Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Cambodia has become the World’s Second-Largest Producer of Raw Cashew Nuts

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Cambodia has become the World’s Second-Largest Producer of Raw Cashew Nuts

Industry sees a significant rise in production and exports, bolstering Cambodia’s position in the global cashew market.

Cambodia has officially become the world’s second-largest producer of raw cashew nuts, with a remarkable production of 830,000 tonnes in the first seven months of 2024, according to the Cashew Nut Association of Cambodia (CAC). This achievement marks a 36.7% increase in export volume, with 780,000 tonnes of cashews shipped to Vietnam, valued at over $1 billion.

Uon Silot, President of CAC, attributes this success to strategic adaptation to the El Nino phenomenon and increased cultivation areas. “Our proactive guidelines helped farmers optimize yields despite challenging climate conditions,” said Silot. “This milestone is crucial for attracting foreign investment and expanding local processing capabilities, which aligns with our National Cashew Policy 2022-2027.”

The world’s leading producer remains Ivory Coast, but Cambodia’s surge in production has positioned it ahead of India, now the third-largest producer. Silot emphasized that this growth is essential for creating jobs, reducing migration, and ensuring fair pricing for farmers.

To further enhance production quality and market access, the CAC has collaborated with the Agricultural and Rural Development Bank (ARDB) and is establishing modern farming communities across Kampong Thom province. These initiatives are part of a broader effort to meet the industry’s investment needs, estimated at $329 million.

About the Cashew Nut Association of Cambodia (CAC):
The Cashew Nut Association of Cambodia (CAC) is dedicated to promoting and advancing the cashew industry in Cambodia. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration with farmers and industry stakeholders, CAC aims to establish Cambodia as a global leader in cashew production and processing.

Singapore Ranks as a Premier ‘Workation’ Destination, 2nd in Asia

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Singapore Ranks as a Premier ‘Workation’ Destination, 2nd in Asia

The Little Red Dot has earned its place among the world’s top ten best ‘workation’ destinations for hybrid workers, securing the seventh spot in the International Workplace Group’s (IWG) annual survey for 2024. Notably, Singapore ranks second in Asia, only trailing behind Beijing, which claimed the fourth spot on the global list.

Budapest topped IWG’s rankings for 2024, surpassing last year’s leader, Barcelona, which, along with Rio de Janeiro, claimed joint second place. Other cities rounding out the top 10 include Lisbon, New York, Jakarta, Los Angeles, and Milan.

Singapore made a remarkable leap in this year’s rankings, jumping from 21st place in 2023 to seventh. Several other Asian cities were also highlighted in the study, including Mumbai (14th), Manila (16th), and Hong Kong (19th).

According to IWG, Singapore’s rapid ascent can be attributed to its robust digital infrastructure and strong support for remote workers. “Hybrid workers will benefit from a thriving digital nomad community, bolstered by local government initiatives aimed at enhancing the city’s appeal to remote workers, such as city-wide 5G coverage and the introduction of a digital nomad visa,” said the global flexible workspace provider.

The IWG survey, now in its second year, evaluates cities on a range of factors, including climate, culture, accommodation, transportation, food and drink, happiness, broadband speed, and the availability of flexible workspace, scoring each city between 1 and 10.

Budapest, with a leading score of 75, was praised for its affordable accommodation, efficient transport system, fast broadband speeds, and extensive availability of flexible workspaces, making it the top destination for hybrid workers in 2024. Barcelona, with a score of 73.5, continues to be a prime ‘workation’ spot, supported by Spain’s comprehensive digital nomad visa, excellent transportation network, and relatively low cost of living.

Rio de Janeiro was also recognized for its affordability in accommodation, food, and transportation, combined with strong broadband speeds, making it a favorable destination for hybrid workers.

Mark Dixon, Founder and CEO of IWG, noted that the growing popularity of hybrid work is driven by advances in cloud technology, making it easier for workers to operate from anywhere. Dixon anticipates that this trend will continue to rise, with more companies adopting flexible working arrangements to attract top talent and enhance employees’ work-life balance.

The IWG study revealed that nearly 74% of hybrid workers consider a “work-from-anywhere” (WFA) policy a key factor when evaluating new job opportunities, with an equal number stating that such policies significantly boost their job satisfaction.

For more details, you can view the full article here.

Cambodia Malaysia Business Forum Strengthens Bilateral Economic Ties

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Cambodia Malaysia Business Forum Strengthens Bilateral Economic Ties

The Cambodia Malaysia Business Forum, co-hosted by the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce (CCC) and the Malaysian Business Chamber of Cambodia (MBCC), marked a significant milestone in fostering collaborative economic potential between the Kingdom of Cambodia and Malaysia. Held in Kuala Lumpur on the 27th of February 2024, the forum was supported by key governmental and business entities, including the Malaysia Investment Development Authority (MIDA), the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), and the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (NCCIM).

The event convened over 400 participants, including Prime Minister of Cambodia Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet, deputy prime ministers, ministers, senior government officials, trade delegates, and business leaders from both nations. A highlight of the forum was a panel discussion featuring representatives from the Council for Development of Cambodia, MIDA, MATRADE, the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM), and CCC, providing insights into investment climate and bilateral trade dynamics.

In his keynote address, Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet underscored the enduring relations between Cambodia and Malaysia, emphasizing Malaysia’s significant role as one of the earliest and largest foreign direct investors in Cambodia. He expressed optimism about the forum’s potential to elevate bilateral trade and investment relations, particularly in sectors such as rice, cashew nuts, automotive, electronics, and renewable energy.

Neak Oknha Kith Meng, President of CCC and Chair of ASEAN-BAC Cambodia, highlighted the distinctiveness of Malaysian investments in Cambodia and urged Malaysian investors to leverage Cambodia’s strategic position in ASEAN and its favorable investment laws and policies.

Oknha Tan Khee Meng, President of MBCC, shared success stories of Malaysian investors in Cambodia and encouraged further investment in sectors like renewable energy and agro-processing.

Tan Sri Dato’ Soh Thian Lai, President of NCCIM, emphasized Malaysia’s strengths in industries such as rubber and palm oil processing, pharmaceuticals, and electronics, highlighting the potential for establishing industrial parks in Cambodia.

H.E. Mr. Sok Chenda Sophea, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation; H.E. Mr. Sun Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister and First Vice President of of The Council for the Development of Cambodia; Neak Oknha Kith Meng, President of Cambodia Chamber of Commerce (CCC); Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia; Oknha Tan Khee Meng, President of Malaysian Business Chamber of Cambodia (MBCC); YB Liew Chin Tong, Deputy Minister of Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry of Malaysia; H.E. Datuk Eldeen Husaini Mohd Hashim, Malaysian Ambassador to Cambodia; Tan Sri Dato’ Soh Thian Lai, President of National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (NCCIM)

The forum concluded with a business matching gala dinner, facilitating discussions and partnerships between Malaysian and Cambodian businesses, setting the stage for future economic cooperation.

This event signifies a shared commitment to prosperity and growth between Cambodia and Malaysia, paving the way for tangible outcomes and long-term benefits for both nations.

About the Cambodia Chamber of Commerce (CCC): The CCC fosters a business-friendly environment in Cambodia, providing advocacy, advice, and networking opportunities to the business community.

About the Malaysian Business Chamber of Cambodia (MBCC): The MBCC serves as a vital link between Malaysian businesses and the Cambodian market, offering support, networking, and business development opportunities.

First & Largest ASEAN Festival in Malaysia

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First & Largest ASEAN Festival in Malaysia

The ASEAN Festival 2023, hosted at the prestigious LaLaport BBCC in Kuala Lumpur from 30th November  to 3rd December 2023, has concluded with tremendous success. Organized by GenYouth, the event was a harmonious convergence of ASEAN’s rich and diverse heritage, immersing visitors in vibrant cultures, delectable cuisines, captivating music, awe-inspiring performances, and more – all under one dynamic roof. It was truly a celebration of the unity and diversity inherent in the ASEAN region.

This significant event, generously supported by Tourism Malaysia through the provision of Cuti-Cuti Malaysia and Malaysia Truly Asia, saw active participation from Tourism Malaysia and Malaysia MADANI by JPM, featuring booths during the festival. A highlight was the remarkable ASEAN Mini Museum, showcasing the cultural wealth of ASEAN embassies.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FESTIVAL:

ASEAN Market: With about 100 booths, offering diverse products and crafts from member countries. Vendors from ASEAN nations flew in, contributing to this cultural extravaganza with unique goods, street food, and F&B delights.

ASEAN Travel Fair: Golden Destinations and Suka Travel presented the Muslim and Non-Muslim ASEAN Travel Fair, featuring representatives from various travel agencies. Visitors explored the rich tapestry of experiences available in the region.

ASEAN Music Festival: The festival hosted cultural shows by Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia embassies, featuring traditional dances, Muay Thai, Indonesian Traditional Dance, Fashion Show, Vietnamese Cultural Show, and live bands throughout the four days.

The festival kicked off with a Grand Opening Ceremony featuring the esteemed presence of H.E. Walid Abu Ali, Embassy of the State of Palestine, and H.E. Betty Oyella Bigombe, High Commission of The Republic of Uganda, H.E Ouk Chandara, Ambassador, Royal Embassy of Cambodia, H.E. Viengsavanh Sipraseuth Ambassador, The Embassy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, H.E. Aung Soe Win Ambassador-Designate, Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, and distinguished embassy representatives from various countries. Mr. Mohd Yusri Bin Mhod Yusoff, Deputy Secretary-General (Culture) Ministry of Tourism, Art, and Culture Malaysia and Mohd Shahrir Mohd Ali, Director International Promotion (ASEAN), witnessed the 1st ASEAN Festival in Malaysia. The launch marked a historic moment as ASEAN embassies and dignitaries jointly inaugurated the ASEAN Festival, setting a record for the first and largest ASEAN Festival in Malaysia.

The second day witnessed the launch of ASEAN Cashless Day, with MDEC as the Guest of Honor. More than 20 business associations and their presidents joined the momentous occasion, emphasizing the festival’s commitment to innovation.

The 3rd day of ASEAN Festival dedicated to recognizing achievements, as the Youth Achievement Records Presentation Ceremony taken the center stage. The day also featured various kids show including “Ao Dai Show” by 20 Vietnam Kids”, Indonesian Raipai Aceh From Aceh” by Indoneisan School of Kuala Lumpur, Malayisa Kids Fashion Show, Muay Thai Show. The Youth Achievement Records Ceremony recognized outstanding individuals in various fields. 13 records were acknowledged, with 12 individuals receiving certificates by Director of International Youth Center representing the Guest of Honor, YB Hannah, Minister of Youth and Sports. For more information on Youth Achievement Records.

The festival concludes on the 3rd of December with a mix of cultural performances including Lion Dance, fashion shows, and Muay Thai demonstrations.

Besides, attendees were treated to an array of exciting Lucky Draw Prizes worth RM20,000, which included domestic and overseas travel packages to Bangkok, Langkawi, Penang, promising unforgettable getaways. Other coveted prizes encompassed Vivo phones, Honor watches, cutting-edge RAZER gadgets, VANZO Perfume sets, Vanilla Mille Crepe, FIPPER and MILLIOT & CO. cash vouchers, mouth-watering US Pizza slices and vouchers, EUREKA popcorn, irresistible The Famous Amos Cookies and vouchers, among many more enticing offerings.

Looking ahead, the organizers are already planning for ASEAN Festival 2024, aiming to build on the success of this year and create an even more unforgettable experience for attendees. The ASEAN Festival 2023 has truly been a celebration of unity, diversity, and the spirit of ASEAN. For more information and updates, follow us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/ASEANfestival, https://www.instagram.com/ASEANfestival/

Singapore Tops as Southeast Asia Reports Record Investments in Fintech

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Singapore Tops as Southeast Asia Reports Record Investments in Fintech

The investments channeled to the fintech sector in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN, increased to USD4.3 billion in the first nine months of 2022. The amount is higher than the total investments in the sector between 2018 and 2020.

According to a joint report released today (Friday) by the professional services firm PwC Singapore, the Singapore Fintech Association (SFA), and the Economic Development Board (EDB), Singapore attracted most of the investments in the region from the fintech sector.

“Singapore serves as an excellent bridge for companies to reach the neighboring countries,” the report explained. “The city-state also boasts a diverse, multilingual talent pool and a wide range of funding sources for companies.”

In 2022, in a separate report published by PwC Singapore, the Singapore Fintech Association, and United Overseas Bank, as quoted by The Strait Times, Singapore and Indonesia received approximately 65% of the total fintech investments channeled to the sector in ASEAN.

The ASEAN region recorded an increase in investments toward fintech companies despite a challenging macroeconomic environment, the report added. The investments in the global fintech sector dropped to USD75 billion last year compared to USD139 billion in 2021. However, the sector is projected to grow by a compound annual rate of 16% between 2023 and 2028 to more than USD400 billion.

Digital Payment Systems

On top of that, the report disclosed that the most performing segment of the global fintech industry is in digital payments. The segment is projected to reach transactions valued at about USD9 trillion by 2023, with the number of users expected to rise to 5 billion next year.

Finance Magnates reported about a week ago that Singapore’s market regulator, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), had introduced new measures for the Digital Payment Token (DPT) service providers.

One of the measures is that the DPT service providers operating in the region must safely keep customers’ funds in a statutory trust before the end of the year. Besides that, the regulator wants the service providers to separate customers’ funds from their own.

Source: Finance Magnates

Singapore Airlines named World’s Best Airline in the 2023 Skytrax Awards

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Singapore Airlines named World’s Best Airline in the 2023 Skytrax Awards

Singapore Airlines (SIA) has been named World’s Best Airline at the 2023 Skytrax World Airline Awards, taking over the top spot from Qatar Airways.

It’s the fifth time the country’s national air carrier has won the prestigious accolade. In 2019, 2021 and 2022, SIA came second after Qatar Airways.

The Skytrax awards are based on surveys of more than 20 million travellers across over 100 nationalities, who rated more than 325 airlines between September 2022 and May 2023.

Japan’s All Nippon Airways is in third place this year, with Emirates and Japan Airlines coming in fourth and fifth, respectively.

SIA took the top spot in four categories at this year’s Skytrax awards, including Best First Class Airline, Best First Class Comfort Amenities, and Best Airline in Asia.

Scoot named Best Long Haul Low-cost Airline

SIA’s low-cost subsidiary Scoot was named Best Long Haul Low-cost Airline, and ranked second in the World’s Best Low-cost Airlines category.

SIA’s chief executive officer Goh Choon Phong received the World’s Best Airline award on behalf of the Airline in Paris on Tuesday (20 June).

“This award is a testament to the indomitable spirit of our people, who worked tirelessly and made many sacrifices to ensure that SIA was ready for the recovery in air travel. That has allowed us to emerge stronger and fitter from the pandemic as a leading international airline,” Goh said in a statement.

He added that they are very grateful to their customers for their loyalty and support, especially during the pandemic.

Edward Plaisted, Skytrax’s chief executive, congratulated SIA for the achievement and said that the success should be a source of great pride and satisfaction for the airline management and staff.

World’s top 10 airlines in 2023
1. Singapore Airlines
2. Qatar Airways
3. ANA All Nippon Airways
4. Emirates
5. Japan Airlines
6. Turkish Airlines
7. Air France
8. Cathay Pacific
9. EVA Air
10. Korean Air

Malaysia and Indonesia are strengthening their trade, investment, and halal ties

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Malaysia and Indonesia are strengthening their trade, investment, and halal ties

Malaysia and Indonesia today further heightened their collaboration on trade, investment and halal sector following the signing of agreements in conjunction with the visit by Indonesian President Joko Widodo and his delegation to Malaysia.

Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz and his Indonesian counterpart Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan, representing Malaysia and Indonesia, sealed the border trade agreement and memorandum of understanding on investment promotion cooperation during the bilateral instrument signing ceremony at Seri Perdana Complex here, today.

The Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) director-general Hakimah Mohd Yusoff and head of the Halal Product Assurance Agency Indonesia Muhammad Aqil Irham signed the mutual cooperation on recognition of halal certification for halal products.

Malaysia also sealed the agreement on border crossing signed by Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Indonesia’s Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian.

Joko Widodo is on a two-day working visit to Malaysia at the invitation of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, starting Wednesday, to further strengthen the longstanding and close relations between the two economies.

Indonesia was Malaysia’s sixth largest trading partner and second largest among Asean member states in 2022 with total trade of RM130.14 billion (US$29.55 billion).

Source: Bernama

The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to providing support for Indonesia

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The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to providing support for Indonesia

The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its strong commitment to supporting Indonesia’s ASEAN chairmanship through the visit of the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and ASEAN Richard Graham MP.

Graham is visiting Indonesia from June 5–7, 2023, highlighting the UK’s strong support for Indonesia’s ASEAN chairmanship, the British Embassy in Jakarta said in a press statement on Monday.

During his visit, Graham will meet Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, to discuss the UK’s support for a number of economic deliverables of Indonesia’s ASEAN chairmanship.

He will also meet ASEAN Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn to enquire how the UK can further support ASEAN in its economic integration journey post 2025.

His eleventh visit as the UK Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and ASEAN underlines the UK’s commitment to both bilateral and multinational partnership in the region, focused on economic growth and development, Graham said.

Graham is also scheduled to meet Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan; National Development Planning Minister/head of the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) Suharso Monoarfa; and head of the New Capital City Authority (OIKN) to discuss potential commercial collaboration in Nusantara.

The visit follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on bilateral investment promotion with the Indonesian Investment Minister last year, which encourages two-way investment between the two countries.

Furthermore, Graham will also visit Surabaya and meet several interlocutors, including the Governor of East Java, Khofifah Indar Parawansa, and the Mayor of Surabaya, Eri Cahyadi, to discuss trade and investment opportunities in sustainable transport, defense, green energy, and education.

The UK is of the view that Indonesia’s ASEAN chairmanship year holds tremendous significance for the Southeast Asian region and beyond, and it is keen on playing an active role in supporting Indonesia’s efforts to promote regional prosperity and resilience.

As a key partner of ASEAN, the UK is committed to fostering even closer ties with Indonesia, recognizing its pivotal role in shaping the region’s economic landscape, the British Embassy said in its statement.

As ASEAN chair this year, Indonesia plays a critical role in driving the bloc’s many ambitions. He looks forward to seeing key Indonesian interlocutors and the ASEAN secretary general to discuss ways to deepen our relationship, Graham said.

Meanwhile, the UK Ambassador to ASEAN, Sarah Tiffin, said that 2023 is the second year of the UK’s Dialogue Partnership with ASEAN, and marks one year of the ASEAN-UK Plan of Action and driving forward the delivery of the plans it contains.

The UK supports Indonesia’s ambitious agenda as ASEAN chair, including to progress the region’s economic integration efforts, Ambassador Tiffin said, adding that rhe UK is proud to support this, including through the delivery of the priority economic deliverables (PED) Indonesia has identified.

The Prime Minister’s Trade Envoys are a network of UK parliamentarians who are appointed to foster trade and investment opportunities in their respective markets.

Source: antaranews.com