ASEAN Express: June 29, 2026

ASEAN Economic Special Report (300 articles total)

Embrace the New Southbound Policy and look towards ASEAN's economic pulse. CNA's "Southeast Asia Economic Information Network" selects multiple financial headlines from Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and other countries daily. Whether it's new government policies, industry trends, or investment opportunities, we provide you with timely key information to gain market insight and seize business opportunities.

Vietnam: Adjusts Economic Blueprint for Second Half, Aims for Double-Digit Growth

(CNA Taipei, June 29) Vietnam has recently adjusted its economic blueprint, announcing its aim to achieve a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of up to 11.9% in the second half of the year, ensuring the annual double-digit economic target is met.

In terms of industrial layout, the government is placing its focus on the surge in electricity production, construction, and accommodation and food services. Simultaneously, the capital Hanoi and economic hub Ho Chi Minh City have been assigned crucial roles, with their respective Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) growth targets for the second half raised to 11% and 10.2%.

Laos: Laos and Cambodia Forge Cross-Border Green Agriculture Corridor, Opening New Market Pathways

(CNA Taipei, June 29) Laos is actively leveraging its railway logistics advantages to deepen regional trade amidst an external energy crisis to optimize fiscal revenue.

Recent reports indicate that Laos and Cambodia have recently reached a strategic cooperation agreement, under which they will jointly establish a cross-border agricultural trade corridor. This cross-border logistics cooperation will significantly enhance rail freight throughput and generate crucial foreign exchange revenue for Laos.

Singapore: Young People Allocate 2/5 of Monthly Income to Family, Hindering Financial Preparedness

(CNA Taipei, June 29) A survey reveals that young Singaporeans under 35 allocate two-fifths of their monthly income to family responsibilities, delaying their ability to achieve financial independence and bearing a heavier burden of family care than their Asian peers.

The "Business Times" reported today that a survey conducted by Manulife between February and March, involving 1,074 respondents in Singapore, showed that 81% of young people aged 18-24 and 75% of those aged 25-34 believe that family financial responsibilities hinder their ability to achieve long-term financial preparedness. These figures are higher than the regional averages of 76% and 69%, respectively.

Philippines: Hormuz Strait Disruptions Could Keep Fertilizer Prices High

(CNA Taipei, June 29) Fitch Solutions' BMI, a market intelligence and research division, stated that if a new round of conflict in the Strait of Hormuz disrupts the global fertilizer supply chain, fertilizer prices are likely to remain high.

BMI noted in a report that although fertilizer prices, particularly urea, fell by 4.6% in June to over $600 per ton, they remain high compared to the same period last year, exceeding $450 per ton.

The Fitch unit indicated that India's fertilizer shortages and price increases, along with reduced Chinese fertilizer production and consumption, will be the main determinants of fertilizer prices.

Myanmar: High Demand for Seed Potatoes Leads to Significant Import Increase

(CNA Taipei, June 29) The Naungtayar Potato Growers Association stated that due to a shortage of high-quality, disease-free seed potatoes, Myanmar's current import demand is between 100 to 200 tons annually.

Myanmar primarily imports high-quality seed potatoes from the Netherlands, India, and China to ensure stable yields.

The association chairman said, "The production of potato seed tubers is not 100% successful. Currently, about 200 tons of seed potatoes rely on imports."

Malaysia: Economy Minister Predicts War Will Affect Energy Prices for 1 to 2 Years

(CNA Taipei, June 29) Malaysian Economy Minister Akmal Nasir stated that the uncertainty in global energy prices and supply caused by the war is expected to continue affecting the market for the next 1 to 2 years. He believes the situation will gradually stabilize from the third quarter of 2026.

The "Star" reported that Nasir told Parliament today that although crude oil prices have fallen from their previous highs, the recovery of the global supply crisis will take time. Under these circumstances, the Malaysian government will strengthen the resilience of its domestic economy within the framework of the "13th Malaysia Plan" (13MP).

Thailand: Bank of Thailand Vows to Continue Promoting Stablecoin Project

(CNA Taipei, June 29) Bank of Thailand Governor Vitai Ratanakorn stated that the Bank of Thailand is continuing to promote its Baht-pegged stablecoin project as one of the measures to support the development of digital finance and innovation.

The "Bangkok Post" reported that Vitai said at the Capital with Purpose conference hosted by efinanceThai that the central bank plans to hold public hearings on the proposal by the end of the year and has set strict preliminary regulations for any stablecoins that will operate in Thailand.

Cambodia: Strengthens Regulation of Commercial Gambling to Curb Crimes Such as Telecom Fraud

(CNA Taipei, June 29) The Cambodian government recently held a seminar emphasizing its commitment to further strengthen the regulation of the commercial gambling industry, plug regulatory loopholes, and curb illegal criminal activities such as telecom and online fraud conducted through gambling businesses.

The "Cambodia China Times" reported that the seminar, titled "Improving the Regulation of Cambodia's Commercial Gambling Industry Amidst the Fight Against Telecom and Online Fraud," was held on the 25th and presided over by Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, and Chairman of the Cambodia Commercial Gambling Management Committee, Aun Pornmoniroth, with the aim of safeguarding social order and national economic security.

Indonesia: 150,000 Jobs at Risk, Layoff Response Team Established

(CNA Taipei, June 29) In response to union warnings that up to 150,000 jobs in various industries, including approximately 55,000 workers in the ceramics sector, are at risk, the Indonesian government has decided to establish a special team to address large-scale layoffs.

The "Jakarta Globe" reported that Prasetyo Hadi, Secretary to the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, who was appointed head of the Layoff Mitigation Task Force, stated that the government, parliament, and unions reached a consensus on the 26th to inventory companies facing financial difficulties and formulate relevant measures to prevent layoffs.

*For more information, please contact Section Chief Chang Li-chuan at (02) 2505-1180 ext. 792 or EMAIL: [email protected]

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