The Indonesian government is planning to inform Vietnam about a change in the vehicle type approval (VTA) certificate in an effort to reopen Indonesian automotive exports to the country.

“With the VTA adjustment, Indonesian automotive exports are expected to return to the country,” Trade Ministry international trade director general Oke Nuwan said in a statement on Thursday.

“The government will convey the change in the VTA certificate to the Vietnamese government to get an immediate response. Hopefully, there will soon be automotive exports to Vietnam,” said Oke, who led the Indonesian delegation in its visit to Hanoi late last month.

New regulations issued by the Vietnamese government forced Indonesia to stop the export of completely built-up (CBU) vehicles to Vietnam this month.

The Indonesian vehicles did not meet requirements stipulated in a 2017 ministerial decree on manufacturing, assembly and import of motor vehicles and motor vehicle warranty and maintenance services and a 2018 circular on the inspection of imported automobiles for technical safety and environmental protection. – The Jakarta Post

Sugar workers go for better pay in construction

The Philippines’ Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) is trying to find ways to keep the sugar industry alive as more and more farmers shift to working in other industries with better pay.

In an interview with SRA administrator Hermenegildo Serafica, he said the agency had to make adjustments on its production outlook this year as reports from different provinces showed the country’s sugar producers are gradually leaving the sector.

“Almost all our milling districts right now are affected with the infrastructure project, especially the cane cutters. If you are a cane cutter, you will opt to work in the ‘Build, Build, Build’ since the salary is bigger,” he said.

The ‘Build, Build, Build’ infrastructure programme is one of the main programs of the Duterte administration, where a total of 75 flagship projects worth a combined total of $36 billion in investments are to be put up in various parts of the country. – Philippine Daily Inquirer

Jetstar may shift flights over Changi fee hike

The CEO of Qantas Airways’ budget arm Jetstar, Gareth Evans, said yesterday that he was disappointed with the increase in passenger fees using Singapore’s Changi Airport, and the impact on passenger demand would mean it will have to “shift flights around”.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) said on Wednesday it would introduce a new airport development levy effective July 1 of S$10.80 for passengers who begin their trips from Changi and S$3 for those transitting.

Evans spoke to Reuters on the sidelines of the CAPA Global LCC Summit in Singapore. – The Straits Times