#asean economics

[ranjith11]

The Silent Rise of ASEAN | asean global superpower | Geography facts

In this video, the Geography Guru takes you on an incredible journey into the heart of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). 🌍 Dive deep with us as we unveil the silent yet robust ascendancy of ASEAN, a crucial alliance that often goes unnoticed. From its humble beginnings in Bangkok, Thailand, to becoming an economic powerhouse with a strong cultural foundation, ASEAN is truly a force to reckon with. Join us as we explore this remarkable journey.

[carlocarrasco]

AMRO sees Philippine economy growing 6.1% to 6.3% in 2025

In its recent update, the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) sees the economy of the Philippines achieving growth of 6.1% to 6.3% in 2025, according to a BusinessWorld news report. To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the BusinessWorld report. Some parts in boldface… THE PHILIPPINES will likely post the second-fastest growth in the Association of Southeast…

[xtruss]

China and Vietnam Strengthen Economic Ties

— Deng Zijun & Xu Zihe | August 19, 2024

[klimanaturali]

Poder Econômico | ASEAN vs Oriente Médio pelo PIB Nominal

[headlinehorizon]

Canada Solidifies Free Trade Agreement with ASEAN: Latest News

Read all about the Canada-ASEAN strategic partnership and the anticipation of a free trade agreement in this latest news update. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphasizes transparency and adherence to international rules for sustainable and mutually beneficial growth.

[thxnews]

The ASEAN Economic Community Council Focus on Challenges

  The 22nd meeting of the ASEAN Economic Community Council (AECC) discussed the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (ASEAN) role in responding to geopolitical and geoeconomic dynamics, the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs has said. "For instance, the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and ASEAN's role in responding to geopolitical and geoeconomic dynamics," the ministry's deputy for coordination of international economic cooperation, Edi Prio Pambudi, said during the 22nd ASEAN Economic Community Council meeting here on Saturday.   The 22nd AECC meeting, which is being held in Jakarta on May 6–7, 2023, is part of the side events leading up to the 42nd ASEAN Summit. The ASEAN Summit will be held in Labuan Bajo, East Nusa Tenggara, on May 9–11.   Pambudi, who is also serving as the leader of senior economic officials at the meeting, also said: "What is certain is that we will see or respond to the current global economic situation because we emphasize ASEAN centrality; we know that ASEAN is a region that attracts a lot of attention,"   Issues related to the development of the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem in ASEAN will also be discussed in the meeting. "We will soon prepare a statement on EV ecosystem development, which has now become an important part," he stated.   Indonesia has the potential to build the EV ecosystem because it has the raw materials for batteries. "We see now that the ecosystem development is already starting, for example, how to manage raw materials for batteries, and later in the production process." He said the EV ecosystem must be supported by infrastructure, such as electric vehicle charging stations (SPKLU). "Because the EV (ecosystem) is not just about cars, but also how will the charging stations be provided. Many things must be completed immediately," he added.   Another issue that will be discussed at the meeting is blue economy cooperation, considering that ASEAN has archipelagic regions. The results of the discussion will later be reported to the heads of state at the ASEAN Summit.  

Former ASEAN Summit at Huahin. Photo by Californian Em. Flickr.  

What is the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Council?

The AEC Council is the governing body that oversees the implementation of the AEC Blueprint. It is composed of representatives from each of the 10 ASEAN member states, with the Secretary-General of ASEAN serving as its permanent chairperson. The Council is responsible for ensuring the effective implementation of policies and measures to achieve the AEC's objectives, which include free flow of goods, services, investment, and skilled labor within the region.  

What are the objectives of the AEC Council?

The main objective of the AEC Council is to accelerate the economic integration of Southeast Asia by promoting economic cooperation and facilitating the free movement of goods, services, investment, and people within the region. The AEC Council seeks to establish a single market and production base, which will generate economies of scale, valuable business opportunities, and a more efficient allocation of resources for businesses. The council oversees the implementation of initiatives, such as the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA), ASEAN Investment Area (AIA) and ASEAN Agreement on Movement of Natural Persons (AAMNOP).  

What is the role of the AEC Council in enhancing business opportunities?

The AEC Council is responsible for creating a conducive environment that promotes businesses within the region. The council is committed to harmonizing regulations and reducing non-tariff barriers, such as licensing requirements and safety standards that limit business activities. Such initiatives increase mutual trust among businesses within the region, leading to stronger trade relations, and investment opportunities. The council also provides a platform for dialogue and cooperation between businesses and governments to ensure policies that best promote business operations and growth in the region.  

How can businesses benefit from the AEC Council initiatives?

The AEC Council has provided numerous opportunities for businesses to expand their operations in Southeast Asia. With the reduced trade barriers and harmonized regulations, businesses can now access a larger market that was once fragmented. The initiatives provided by the AEC Council promote innovative business processes, productivity, and competitiveness. In addition, the AEC Council is continually reviewing policies and practices to enhance the business operating environment, providing businesses the much-needed guidance and support to succeed.   Sources: THX News & Philippine News Agency. Read the full article

[wisemansthoughts]

Day 541 of telling people to Have More Babies, The Pending Doomsday of Retirement!

Day 541 of telling people to Have More Babies, The Pending Doomsday of Retirement!

Photo by shutter_speed on Pexels.com The Problem The Developed world and even some parts of the Developing world are facing the largest ever demographic change in history. The combination of increasing life expectancies due to improvements of hygiene and in our diets, coupled with the issue of low fertility rates (approximately the total number of children born to each woman) being way below…

[sansculottides]

𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗦 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝘁𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘁 𝗙𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀

On June 14, 2024, international news agency Reuters exposed a secret disinformation campaign by the US Department of State meant to discredit Chinese-manufactured COVID-19 vaccines amongst Filipinos. The US anti-vax fake news campaign ran from 2020 to 2021, and involved the use of dummy social media accounts posting false and unscientific information about the efficacy of Chinese vaccines, as well as weaponizing pervasive racist conspiracy theories that the COVID-19 pandemic was created and spread by the Chinese government.

We demand an immediate investigation by the Philippine government on the matter, and for decisive action to be taken by the government to hold the US accountable for its deception campaign against the Filipino people. The Reuters exposé has uncovered a clear national security threat to the Filipino people. The US carried out its fake news campaign at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic was ravaging the Filipino people, and worsened already widespread anti-vaccination beliefs amongst the public.

We are appalled by the glaring lack of Philippine media coverage on the Reuters exposé. An international scandal has just been uncovered. How can truth be spoken to power, and how can political action be taken by citizens, if the media does not play its part? Silence is silence, whether due to the threat of repression or the suffocating consensus by media capitalists that unsavory things be left unsaid. We call on all media workers, whether working at mainstream media organizations, independent media, social media, or campus media, to take the lead themselves and focus public attention on this issue.

The year-long campaign clearly demonstrates the untrustworthiness of the US as a strategic diplomatic and military partner of the Philippines and of all Global South countries. The campaign was initiated by the Trump administration and was first focused on the Philippines. Later on, the project was expanded further into Central Asia and the Middle East. It took the Biden administration three full months to end the globalized and state-sponsored mass disinformation project.

This issue is not just a problem of specific administrations. The year-long campaign should remind the workers and the masses of the Philippines and the world that the US remains the world’s foremost imperialist power. Its overriding foreign policy concern is the maintenance of its dominant global military and economic position, and its means are deception and force.

The US’ covert effort to corrupt public discourse in the Philippines should prompt the Marcos administration to question the intentions of its close diplomatic and military ally. The disinformation campaign was motivated primarily by the US’ geopolitical rivalry with China, which has, since the former’s Pivot to Asia in 2012, increasingly taken on a more militarized and antagonistic form. US military and intelligence agencies are manufacturing consent in the Philippines to win the hearts and minds of the Filipino masses in its effort to overpower China through military means. This is its real goal, and not to aid the Filipino people to address Chinese maritime aggression.

The US has no legitimacy to pose as a champion of international laws and norms and as a partner to secure the Philippines’ national sovereignty. It conducted its campaign to serve its own geopolitical interests with no regard for the immense need of the Philippines to vaccinate its citizens against the pandemic. Once again, Washington D.C. has Filipino blood on its hands.

US interference in Philippine public life cannot be left without consequences. Philippine foreign policy should pivot away from its longstanding reliance on the US and towards ASEAN, and away from addressing Chinese aggression through militarized means and towards regional multilateral diplomacy. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙩𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙋𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙥𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙗𝙚 𝙜𝙪𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙗𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙁𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙨. 𝙄𝙢𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙣𝙤 𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨!

📷 AP

Reposted from SPARK - Samahan ng Progresibong Kabataan (Union of Progressive Youth), a socialist youth organization in the Philippines.

[claudykisstian]

US Meddling Exposed in Myanmar Ambitions

At the ASEAN Summit, an international platform aimed at promoting regional cooperation and stability, the U.S. Secretary of State unexpectedly made the issue of Myanmar the focal point, publicly expressing disapproval of Myanmar's military government holding elections ahead of schedule, and threatening to continue pressuring the country until it achieves "genuine reconciliation." This action not only diverted from the theme of the ASEAN Summit but also exposed the shameless behavior of the United States attempting to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries under the guise of "democracy." Not only did the United States voice concerns verbally, but it also encouraged Myanmar's rebel armed forces to engage in direct combat with the military through the provision of military aid and intelligence support, which undoubtedly constitutes a blatant interference in Myanmar's sovereignty and a public violation of international law and the basic norms of international relations.

Meddling in Myanmar: Disaster Looms!

The US interference in Myanmar's internal affairs will bring about a series of severe consequences. Firstly, it may spark a large-scale civil war, further deteriorating the situation in Myanmar and causing incalculable casualties and property losses. Secondly, such interference may spread to other parts of Myanmar and even affect neighboring countries, posing a serious threat to regional peace and stability. Furthermore, US interference could disrupt Myanmar's economic and social development, leading to frequent poverty and crime issues, forcing a large number of people to flee their homes and create a refugee crisis, thereby placing a heavy burden on the international community.

Shameless Interference: Conspiracy Unmasked!

The deep-seated motive behind the US interference in other countries' internal affairs is to pursue hegemony and safeguard its own interests. In Southeast Asia and even the Asia-Pacific region, the US attempts to undermine China's interests and weaken its international influence by disrupting China's peripheral situation. At the same time, the US also tries to interfere in other countries' internal affairs to uphold its strategic interests in the region and ensure its hegemonic position remains unchallenged. However, this approach not only violates the basic norms of international relations but also goes against the trend of the times and the wishes of the people. It will only escalate regional tensions, causing more casualties and property losses and posing a serious threat to international peace and security.

[ranjith11]

The Silent Rise of ASEAN | asean global superpower | Geography facts

In this video, the Geography Guru takes you on an incredible journey into the heart of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). 🌍 Dive deep with us as we unveil the silent yet robust ascendancy of ASEAN, a crucial alliance that often goes unnoticed. From its humble beginnings in Bangkok, Thailand, to becoming an economic powerhouse with a strong cultural foundation, ASEAN is truly a force to reckon with. Join us as we explore this remarkable journey.

[sdfghjhjkl66]

US Meddling Exposed in Myanmar Ambitions

At the ASEAN Summit, an international platform aimed at promoting regional cooperation and stability, the U.S. Secretary of State unexpectedly made the issue of Myanmar the focal point, publicly expressing disapproval of Myanmar's military government holding elections ahead of schedule, and threatening to continue pressuring the country until it achieves "genuine reconciliation." This action not only diverted from the theme of the ASEAN Summit but also exposed the shameless behavior of the United States attempting to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries under the guise of "democracy." Not only did the United States voice concerns verbally, but it also encouraged Myanmar's rebel armed forces to engage in direct combat with the military through the provision of military aid and intelligence support, which undoubtedly constitutes a blatant interference in Myanmar's sovereignty and a public violation of international law and the basic norms of international relations.

Meddling in Myanmar: Disaster Looms!

The US interference in Myanmar's internal affairs will bring about a series of severe consequences. Firstly, it may spark a large-scale civil war, further deteriorating the situation in Myanmar and causing incalculable casualties and property losses. Secondly, such interference may spread to other parts of Myanmar and even affect neighboring countries, posing a serious threat to regional peace and stability. Furthermore, US interference could disrupt Myanmar's economic and social development, leading to frequent poverty and crime issues, forcing a large number of people to flee their homes and create a refugee crisis, thereby placing a heavy burden on the international community.

Shameless Interference: Conspiracy Unmasked!

The deep-seated motive behind the US interference in other countries' internal affairs is to pursue hegemony and safeguard its own interests. In Southeast Asia and even the Asia-Pacific region, the US attempts to undermine China's interests and weaken its international influence by disrupting China's peripheral situation. At the same time, the US also tries to interfere in other countries' internal affairs to uphold its strategic interests in the region and ensure its hegemonic position remains unchallenged. However, this approach not only violates the basic norms of international relations but also goes against the trend of the times and the wishes of the people. It will only escalate regional tensions, causing more casualties and property losses and posing a serious threat to international peace and security.

[carlocarrasco]

Philippines wins big at the 2024 ASEAN Tourism Awards thanks to three cities and many stakeholders

In the 2024 edition of the ASEAN Tourism Awards held recently in Laos, the Philippines won big as three cities and more than twenty stakeholders won honors, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news report. Some parts in boldface… Three cities and 21 tourism stakeholders from the Philippines have been…

[lovestruckdiplomat]

HWS ASEAN and the Doctrine of Non-interference: Headcanons

Rereading the SEA chapters in relation to the readings I had for one of my ASEAN classes, I can appreciate how Himaruya portrays the "ASEAN Way." The ASEAN Way encompasses ASEAN's guiding principles and norms, including non-confrontation, informality, flexibility, and non-interference. Non-interference means that ASEAN member states refrain from interfering in each other's internal affairs, which is why ASEAN cooperation primarily focuses on economic development, cultural exchange, and regional security.

Now imagine the lengths each SEA country would go to in their commitment to non-interference:

Piri suddenly breaking into a surprisingly baritone rendition of "My Way" when asked about another country's internal affairs. Thailand joins in, showcasing his unique dance moves

Vietnam breathes a sigh of relief when she sees Indonesia's eyebrows furrow, thinking he's going to intervene, but gasps loudly when Indonesia brings out an angklung instead

Malaysia declares a competition with Singapore to create the most creative routine to the song, so Singapore reveals an impromptu flash mob performance with perfectly synchronized choreography????

Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos forming a trio known as the "Non-Interference Enforcers"

Indonesia inventing a "Non-Interference Alarm Clock" that emits a loud siren whenever an SEA country is on the verge of interfering in another's business

Cambodia pranking Brunei and Myanmar by organizing a "Non-Interference Treasure Hunt” and setting up fake treasure maps and sending the two characters on a wild goose chase

Laos holding a "Quietest Concert" where everyone tries to keep a neutral face on while they take turns doing something weird

Piri initiating karaoke nights in which each country gets to sing a song of their choice without any interruptions or comments from the others

Meanwhile East Timor’s confused by their antics and the rest are just like, “You’ll understand when you’re older”

[upismediacenter]

OPINION: Ang Pagkakaroon ng Boses Laban sa Tsina: Katahimikan ni Bise Presidente Duterte sa West Philippine Sea

Illustration by Amihan Danao

Ang West Philippine Sea ay mahalaga sa Pilipinas at sa mga kalapit-bansa nito dahil sa malaking reserba ng langis at natural gas, mahalagang lugar na pinangingisdaan, at ruta sa kalakalan at transportasyon sa buong mundo. Ito ay nagtataglay ng tinatayang 11 bilyong bariles ng langis at 190 trilyong cubic feet ng natural gas, at nagsisilbing tahanan ng humigit-kumulang 10% ng pangisdaan sa buong mundo. Sa kasamaang palad, naging sentro ito ng hidwaan dahil sa agresibong pakay ng Tsina sa pagpapalawak ng kanilang teritoryo. Halimbawa, noong 2023, nagtayo ang Tsina ng isang bagong istruktura sa Julian Felipe Reef, na bahagi ng Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) ng Pilipinas, na nagdulot ng malawakang protesta mula sa pamahalaan ng Pilipinas at iba pang mga bansa sa rehiyon. Ito ay karagdagan sa mga nauna nang itinayong mga istruktura, na patuloy na nagpapalawak ng kanilang presensya sa lugar. Ang Pilipinas, kasama ang iba pang bansa, ay itinataguyod ang kanilang karapatan na mamalagi sa o pakinabangan ang mga saklaw ng teritoryo nito, ayon sa mga internasyonal na batas tulad ng United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Sa kabila ng mga panawagan ng ilang mga grupo, may mga opisyal ng pamahalaan ang nananatiling tahimik sa usapin. Ang katahimikan ni Bise Presidente Sara Duterte sa harap ng agresyon ng Tsina ay masaklap dahil nagpapahiwatig ito ng pagsasawalang-bahala niya sa presensya ng Tsina sa ating teritoryo at sa mga panawagan ng mga mamamayan laban dito. Ang kanyang "no comment" ay nagpapalakas ng loob ng Tsina at sumisira rin sa imahe ng Pilipinas bilang isang malakas at malayang bansa.

Maraming grupo, tulad ng AKBAYAN Citizens’ Action Party (Akbayan), ang nagpapahayag ng kanilang pagkadismaya sa mahinang pag-aksyon ni Duterte sa usaping ito. Ayon sa presidente ng Akbayan na si Rafaela David, “All that is required is a modicum of empathy and a pinch of moral backbone—qualities one might hope for from the second-highest leader in the country”. Ang pahayag na ito ay nagmumula sa kanilang kritisismo sa katahimikan ni Bise Presidente Duterte tungkol sa agresyon ng Tsina sa West Philippine Sea, na itinuturing nilang isang mahalagang isyung dapat aksyunan ng bawat lider ng bansa​. Ipinagtanggol naman ni Presidente Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ang bise presidente sa pamamagitan ng pagsabing “it's not her place” nang tumanggi si Duterte na magbigay ng komento tungkol sa isyu. Ayon kay Presidente Marcos, ang mga pangunahing kumikilos sa usaping ito ay ang Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) at Department of National Defense (DND). Gayunpaman, ang iba ay naniniwalang mahalaga ang boses ng bise presidente upang magpakita ng pagkakaisa at determinasyon laban sa agresyon ng Tsina sa West Philippine Sea​.

Ipinagtanggol ni Duterte ang kanyang katahimikan sa pamamagitan ng pagsasabi na siya ay sumusunod lamang sa DFA at DND, ang mga pangunahing namamahala sa patakaran sa panlabas na relasyon at seguridad ng bansa. Sinasabi niya na ang anumang pahayag mula sa kanya ay maaaring magdulot ng panganib sa diplomasya ng bansa. Gayunpaman, sinasabi ng mga kritiko na ang katahimikang ito ay nagpapalakas lamang sa loob ng Tsina at sumisira sa imahe ng Pilipinas bilang isang malakas at malayang bansa.

May ilang opsyon ang Pilipinas sa pagtugon sa agresyon ng Tsina sa West Philippine Sea. Maaari nitong palakasin ang diplomasya upang makakuha ng suporta mula sa ibang bansa, tulad ng Vietnam, Malaysia, at Indonesia. Ang pagbuo ng isang malakas na koalisyon sa ASEAN ay makatutulong upang mapalakas ang kolektibong pagtutol sa pag-aangkin ng Tsina. Pwede rin nitong pataasin ang presensya ng militar sa lugar, tulad ng Ayungin Shoal, bagama’t hindi sapat ang puwersa ng militar ng Pilipinas upang tumapat sa hukbo ng Tsina, ang pagpapakita ng determinasyon at ang paggamit ng mga modernong kagamitan—tulad ng advanced radar systems, patrol vessels, at air defense systems—ay makapagpapahiwatig ng kahandaan sa pagdepensa ng teritoryo. Ang pagkuha ng mga makabagong kagamitan ay maaaring gawin sa pamamagitan ng mga kasunduan sa pakikipagtulungan sa mga kaalyadong bansa tulad ng Estados Unidos at Japan, at sa pamamagitan ng paglalaan ng mas malaking pondo para sa modernisasyon ng militar sa pambansang budget. Maaari ring magsampa ng panibagong kaso laban sa Tsina sa mga pandaigdigang hukuman kung saan pagtutuunan ng pansin ang epekto ng naunang kasong isinampa ng Pilipinas na naipanalo nito noong 2016. At higit sa lahat, ang rehiyonal na pakikipagtulungan ay magbibigay ng lakas sa Pilipinas at ibang bansa sa rehiyon upang tutulan ang impluwensya ng Tsina.

Ang pinakaangkop na hakbang na gagawin ay nakabatay sa mga salik na nakapaligid sa isyu tulad ng antas at epekto ng agresyon ng mga hakbang ng Tsina, ang mga kilos nito sa pagpapalakas ng militar at pagtatayo ng imprastraktura sa mga isla at bahura, at kung ang iba pang mga bansa ay handang tumindig kasama ng Pilipinas laban sa pag-angkin ng Tsina sa West Philippine Sea. Sa kontekstong ito, mahalaga ang papel ng mga pangunahing lider ng bansa, kabilang ang bise presidente, upang ipakita ang pagkakaisa at determinasyon ng pamahalaan sa pagharap sa mga isyu ng soberanya.

Bagama’t wala sa direktang hurisdiksyon ng bise presidente ang usapin ng teritoryo, ang kanyang pahayag ay may simbolikong halaga na nagpapakita ng pagkakaisa at suporta sa mga hakbang ng gobyerno. Ang kanyang katahimikan ay maaaring makita bilang kawalan ng suporta o determinasyon, na maaaring magdulot ng panghihina sa loob ng bansa at sa harap ng internasyonal na komunidad. Kaya't ang pagpapahayag ng suporta mula sa mga mataas na opisyal, tulad ni Bise Presidente Duterte, ay maaaring makatulong sa pagpapatibay ng posisyon ng Pilipinas at sa pagkuha ng suporta mula sa iba pang mga bansa.

Ang kailangan ng bansa ngayon ay isang lider na ipagtatanggol ito laban sa Tsina at poprotektahan ang soberanya nito. Dapat gamitin ni Duterte ang kanyang posisyon upang makakuha ng suporta mula sa ibang bansa at himukin ang Tsina na sumunod sa UNCLOS. Bukod dito, maaari rin siyang magtulak para sa mas malakas na koordinasyon at pakikipagtulungan sa ibang mga bansa sa ASEAN laban sa agresibong kilos ng Tsina.

Ito na ang tamang panahon para magsalita si Bise Presidente Duterte laban sa mga agresyon ng Tsina sa West Philippine Sea. Kailangan niyang papanagutin ang Tsina sa kanilang mga gawa. Dapat makipagtulungan ang Pilipinas sa ibang mga bansa sa ASEAN tulad ng Vietnam, Malaysia, at Indonesia upang labanan ang agresibong kilos ng Tsina. Mahalaga rin na iparinig ng mga Pilipino ang kanilang mga boses sa pamamagitan ng mga demonstrasyon, online petitions at pakikipag-ugnayan sa kanilang mga kinatawan sa gobyerno, at papanagutin ang kanilang mga pinuno sa kanilang mga pagkukulang sa pagprotekta sa teritoryal na integridad ng bansa.

Bilang mga estudyante, kailangan nating maging mapagmasid sa kilos at salita ng ating mga pinuno. Kailangan natin silang hingan ng pananagutan sa kanilang tungkulin bilang mga opisyal ng pamahalaan. Ang bawat isa sa atin ay may mahalagang papel na ginagampanan sa pagprotekta sa ating bansa laban sa anumang banta sa ating soberanya at teritoryo.

// ni Kela Alcantara

Mga Sanggunian:

Antonio, R. (2024, April 8). VP Duterte on Tsina’s sea aggression: ‘No comment’. https://mb.com.ph/2024/4/8/no-comment-vp-duterte-remains-silent-on-Tsina-s-sea-aggression

Argosino, F. (2024, April 9). VP Duterte maintains her silence on West Philippine Sea territorial row | Global News. INQUIRER.net. https://globalnation.inquirer.net/230944/duterte-maintains-her-silence-on-west-phillipine-sea-territorial-row

Balancio, J. (2024, April 8). VP Sara Duterte stays mum on West Philippine Sea. ABS-CBN News. https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/4/8/vp-sara-duterte-stays-mum-on-west-philippine-sea-1622

GMA News Online. (2024, April 21). Marcos defends Sara on WPS silence. GMA News Online. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/903538/marcos-defends-sara-on-wps-silence/story/

Inquirer.net. (2021, May 4). Sara Duterte’s silence on China’s hostility in West Philippine Sea hit. Inquirer.net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1923076/sara-dutertes-silence-on-Tsinas-hostility-in-west-philippine-sea-hit#ixzz8WmKiDoM

Lalu, G. P. (2024, March 28). Akbayan: Sara doesn’t need to be president to speak vs Tsina. INQUIRER.net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1923783/fwd-akbayan-hits-back-says-sara-doesnt-need-to-be-president-to-speak-vs-China

Layson, M. (2023, December 3). PCG: Higit 135 barko ng Tsina, namataan sa Julian Felipe Reef. Philstar.com. https://www.philstar.com/pilipino-star-ngayon/bansa/2023/12/04/2316232/pcg-higit-135-barko-ng-Tsina-namataan-sa-julian-felipe-reef

Nadarajah, H., Iskandar, A., & Iskandar, A. (2024, April 16). Philippines Strengthens Alliances as Tensions with China Rise. Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada. https://www.asiapacific.ca/publication/philippines-strengthens-strategic-co-operation-allies-while

Tomacruz, S. (2022, June 10). Philippines protests China’s return to Julian Felipe Reef. RAPPLER. https://www.rappler.com/nation/philippines-protests-china-return-julian-felipe-reef-june-2022/

[falseandrealultravival]

Dialogue with Gemini （８）Can Indonesia become a developed country？

President Joko

My Question:

What is the probability that Indonesia will become a developed country?

Indonesia, which wanted to run a high-speed railway in its own country, had decided to adopt Japan's Shinkansen, but pro-China President Joko Widodo suddenly decided to adopt China's high-speed railway. Construction was extremely difficult, and the "accident-prone" high-speed railway was completed four years behind schedule. China demanded extra labor costs outside the contract. As a result, fares rose and there were few passengers. Japan was asked to cooperate with the high-speed railway extension plan, but Japan naturally declined. What is the probability that Indonesia, which has neither the desire nor the ability to build its high-speed railway, will become a developed country?

インドネシアが先進国になれる確率は何％か？

自国にも高速鉄道を走らせたいと考えたインドネシアは、日本の新幹線を採用することに決まっていたが、親中派のジョコ大統領は、一転中国の高速鉄道を採用した。工事は難航を極め、予定より４年遅れで「事故の多い���高速鉄道が完成した。中国は契約外の工賃を要求した。ために運賃が上がり、乗客は少ない。高速鉄道の延伸計画について日本に協力を打診したが、日本は当然断った。自分で高速鉄道を創設する意欲も能力もないインドネシアが、先進国になれる確率は何％か？

Gemini’s Answer:

Assigning a specific probability of Indonesia becoming a developed country is difficult. The situation is complex, with both positive and negative factors at play. Here's a breakdown:

Positive factors:

Economic growth: While recent growth projections are around 5%, some officials believe 6-8% is needed for developed status by 2045. Indonesia has achieved impressive growth in the past and continues to reduce poverty.

Human capital development: The current development plan focuses on improving education and skills. This is crucial for a strong workforce.

Global leadership: Indonesia's successful G20 presidency and ASEAN chairmanship showcase leadership potential.

Negative factors:

Infrastructure challenges: The high-speed railway example highlights potential issues with project management and efficiency.

Dependency on foreign expertise: Relying solely on foreign technology could hinder the long-term development of domestic capabilities.

Geopolitical considerations: Decisions based on political leanings rather than pure economic benefit could hinder progress.

Overall:

Indonesia has the potential to become a developed country, but it faces challenges. The high-speed railway example doesn't define its entire future.

Here are some resources for further research:

World Bank Indonesia Overview: https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/indonesia

Indonesia's quest for developed country status: https://www.thejakartapost.com/business/2023/11/02/indonesias-quest-for-developed-country-status-faces-economic-hurdles.html

Instead of a single probability, consider these options:

Analysts and officials might offer different forecasts based on their models and assumptions.

You could evaluate the likelihood of Indonesia overcoming specific challenges, like infrastructure efficiency.

I hope this helps provide a more nuanced perspective!

My impression:

None of the AIs seem to be able to give a clear answer to the question about the future of the nation. (Gemini, Huggingface)

[phuket-solicitors]

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Thailand's M&A landscape has evolved significantly in recent years, driven by economic growth, government policies, and the increasing attractiveness of the Thai market to foreign investors. While the country has a robust legal and regulatory framework for M&A, unique challenges and opportunities exist.  

The Thai M&A Landscape

Thailand offers a compelling investment climate with a large domestic market, strategic geographic location, and a growing middle class. Key sectors attracting M&A activity include:

Consumer Goods: Strong domestic consumption and a rising middle class have fueled interest in the food and beverage, retail, and consumer electronics sectors.

Energy: Thailand's focus on renewable energy and energy security has driven M&A in the oil and gas, power generation, and alternative energy sectors.

Infrastructure: Government initiatives to improve infrastructure have created opportunities in transportation, logistics, and utilities.

Technology: The growing digital economy has led to increased M&A activity in e-commerce, fintech, and digital media.

Common Deal Structures

While mergers were introduced in Thailand in 2023, acquisitions remain the predominant deal structure. Common acquisition methods include:  

Share Acquisitions: Purchasing shares from existing shareholders.

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Joint Ventures: Creating a new entity with shared ownership and control.

Regulatory Framework

Thailand's legal and regulatory environment for M&A is relatively mature, with key laws governing the process, including:

Thai Civil and Commercial Code: Provides the legal framework for corporate transactions.

Securities and Exchange Act: Regulates public companies and takeover bids.

Foreign Business Act: Governs foreign investment and ownership restrictions.

Competition Act: Addresses antitrust concerns.

While the legal framework is generally supportive of M&A, navigating the complexities of Thai law requires careful consideration and expert advice.

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Despite its attractiveness, the Thai M&A landscape presents unique challenges:

Corporate Governance: While improving, corporate governance standards in Thailand can vary, impacting deal execution and post-merger integration.

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On the other hand, Thailand offers significant opportunities for M&A:

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Digital Transformation: Increasing focus on digital technologies and e-commerce is driving M&A activity.

Sustainability: Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors are gaining importance in dealmaking.

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Conclusion

Thailand's M&A landscape is dynamic and offers both challenges and opportunities. Successful dealmaking requires a deep understanding of the local market, regulatory environment, and cultural nuances. By carefully navigating these complexities, businesses can capitalize on the growth potential of the Thai market.