#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/international/40008135

In the backdrop of China’s aggressive behaviour on maritime issues, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and ten ASEAN countries today affirmed the importance of maintaining and promoting peace, stability, safety and security in the South China Sea, and ensuring freedom of navigation and overflight.

”Both sides noted the importance of promoting a rules-based order in the region including through upholding adherence to international law, especially the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS),” said an official statement issued at the end of the 18th India-ASEAN Summit held virtually.

The discussions between the two sides covered all regional and international issues of common interest and concern, including terrorism. The two sides announced their decision to celebrate 2022 as ”India-ASEAN Friendship Year” to commemorate the 30th anniversary of their partnership.

Prime Minister Modi and the ASEAN leaders welcomed the adoption of the India-ASEAN joint statement on cooperation for peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

The leaders exchanged views on enhancing India-ASEAN connectivity in broadest terms including physical, digital and people to people. To further strengthen India-ASEAN cultural connectivity, Modi announced India’s support for establishing the ASEAN Cultural Heritage List. On trade and investment, he underlined the importance of diversification and resilience of supply chains for post-COVID economic recovery and in this regard, the need to revamp the India-ASEAN FTA.

The ASEAN leaders appreciated India’s role as a trusted partner in the region especially during the current Covid-19 pandemic with its supply of vaccines. They also welcomed India’s support to ASEAN centrality in the Indo-Pacific and looked forward to greater India-ASEAN cooperation in the region.

Published : October 29, 2021

By : The Statesman

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/international/40008134

SINGAPORE – All taxi and private-hire drivers must undergo weekly Covid-19 testing from Nov 1, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) told The Straits Times on Thursday (Oct 28).

For practical reasons, they will be allowed to self-test using antigen rapid test (ART) kits at their convenience. Drivers are provided with the kits.

Explaining why mandatory testing for these drivers was not rolled out earlier, LTA said: “As drivers are self-employed and have varied work schedules, operators needed more time to reach out to them to coordinate testing arrangements.”

LTA added that as taxi and private-hire drivers need to drive to various locations in the course of their work, they will not have to go back to their operators’ offices to undergo employer-supervised testing.

Based on the number of valid vocational licences held as at August, the testing regime would apply to 96,690 taxi drivers and 49,375 private-hire drivers.

Welcoming this move, Ms Tammy Tan, ComfortDelGro’s group chief branding and communications officer, said: “As cabbies have been identified as being part of a key community group requiring routine Covid-19 testing, we have started distributing the ART kits provided by the Government to all our cabbies at three distribution points.”

She added that ComfortDelGro drivers will be required to share their test results with the company through its driver app.

Mr Terence Zou, chief executive of ride-hailing company Ryde, said the firm started distributing ART kits to selected fully vaccinated private-hire drivers on Tuesday (Oct 26).

He added: “This is to detect and ring-fence infections in the community early.”

Private-hire and taxi drivers are the latest front liners to adopt mandatory Covid-19 testing.

Since Sept 27 when the stabilisation phase began, rostered routine testing has been progressively extended to staff working in settings which involve frequent community interactions.

These include retail mall establishments, supermarkets, last-mile delivery workers and public and private transport workers, said Enterprise Singapore.

Delivery platform foodpanda told The Straits Times that it has been working with the Government to implement mandatory testing for its riders since mid-October.

Its riders are required to take Covid-19 tests at quick test centres.

A foodpanda spokesman said: “As our riders work hard to deliver hot meals, groceries and more, it is crucial to ensure that riders are regularly tested to help keep the community safe.”

Parcel delivery personnel have also been required to undergo mandatory fast and easy testing rostered routine testing (RRT) since September.

“In parallel, the sector is also in the process of rolling out the vaccinate or regular testing regime,” said Mr Wei Chuen Chua, Economic Development Board vice-president and head of supply chain and connectivity.

Mr Nathaniel Yim, co-founder of logistics platform Janio, said the firm registered all its delivery drivers for the eight-week RRT regime. This regime requires employees who go to the workplace to self-test for Covid-19 over that period using ART kits.

Janio began the voluntary exercise from Oct 4 and will provide additional ART kits to its drivers if required, Mr Yim added.

SingPost, which is currently involved in two nationwide distribution exercises of ART kits and a mouth gargle to fight Covid-19, said it has progressively introduced a weekly testing regime for its postmen since Sept 16.

A spokesman said: “Front-line staff are issued ART kits every week, and they are required to test themselves while supervised by their superiors. If they are unable to report to our facilities in person, the test must be conducted with their supervisor virtually via Zoom or other digital teleconferencing platforms.”

By Jessie Lim

Published : October 29, 2021

By : The Straits Times

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/international/40008133

Both sides have maintained regular communication on economics, trade

China reiterated on Thursday that lifting additional tariffs by the US side is in the fundamental interests of consumers and producers in China and the United States, and is conducive to the recovery of the global economy, said the Ministry of Commerce.

The ministry made the remarks after Vice-Premier Liu He held a video conversation with US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen earlier this week at the invitation of the US side.

During the conversation, the Chinese side expressed concern over issues including the lifting of additional tariffs, sanctions by the US and the fair treatment of Chinese companies.

Shu Jueting, the ministry’s spokeswoman, elaborated that the two sides talked for about 90 minutes, and conducted pragmatic, professional and in-depth exchanges on a wide range of topics concerning economics and trade.

They discussed the macroeconomic situation and policies of China and the US, including economic growth conditions, inflationary pressure, financial stability, supply chains and other issues, the commerce official said.

They also exchanged views on specific cooperation in multilateral and bilateral fields such as financial market supervision and cooperation under the G20 framework, Shu added.

Liu, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chief of the Chinese side of the China-US comprehensive economic dialogue, has spoken twice with both Yellen and US Trade Representative Katherine Tai via video and telephone conversations since May this year, according to information released by the ministry.

China and the US have maintained communication on economic and trade matters. They agreed to continue communication at all levels to focus on practical cooperation and solving specific problems from the perspective of both countries and the whole world, she added.

With enhanced communication between the two countries helping cut downside risks facing the global economy, experts said it will be helpful for China and the US to improve bilateral relations, as well as jointly deal with global challenges such as COVID-19, climate change and supply chain operations.

China has maintained stable growth so far this year, with strong demand for its exports to the US, the European Union and member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as well as attracting more foreign direct investment into its market, said Ma Yu, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation in Beijing.

US electric carmaker Tesla announced on Monday that it has built a research facility and data center in Shanghai, both of which will be put into use soon.

Tesla’s Gigafactory, which is also located in Shanghai, started production in late 2019, and currently has an annual production capacity of 450,000 vehicles, a big chunk of which is exported.

Apart from creating conditions to promote bilateral business ties, Shu, from the Ministry of Commerce, urged the US to immediately correct its wrongdoings and provide a fair, open, just and nondiscriminatory business environment for Chinese companies investing and operating in the US, after Washington earlier this week ordered China Telecom Americas to discontinue its services within 60 days.

Shu said the US move is an over-generalization of the concept of national security, abuse of national power and malicious suppression of a Chinese company without basis in facts. It also undermined the atmosphere of cooperation between the two sides.

China’s economic and trade team has lodged solemn representations with the US saying that Beijing is seriously concerned by the ban, she said, adding the government will continue to take necessary measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese businesses.

Published : October 29, 2021

By : China Daily

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum said Friday that up to 10 people in the wider Seoul area and 12 people in the non-metropolitan area are free to meet regardless of vaccination as part of daily recovery to be carried out step by step in three stages.

The first step will be implemented for four weeks and the quarantine situation will be comprehensively evaluated to decide whether to switch to the next step.

“It is urgent to recover small business owners and self-employed people who have endured painful sacrifices for the safety of the community. To this end, we will drastically lift social distancing measures on business hour restrictions,” he said at a meeting.

The limit on the number of people who can gather will be eased.

“Regardless of vaccination, up to 10 people in the wider Seoul area and 12 people in the non-metropolitan area are free to meet,” Kim said.

“However, restaurants and cafes are bound to be vulnerable to social distancing measures, such as taking off masks while eating, so up to four people who have not been vaccinated will be able to gather.”

In the case of high-risk facilities such as entertainment facilities and indoor sports facilities, the government will apply “vaccination certification and PCR negative confirmation.”

Relaxed social distancing measures have also been applied to restore daily life in various fields such as religious facilities, performance halls, rallies and events. The details of the implementation plan will be reported to the public in detail after the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters meeting.

By Shin Ji-hye

Published : October 29, 2021

By : The Korea Herald

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/international/40008079

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is still ranked last among 53 countries in the latest international COVID-19 report that measures the resilience of economies to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This is the second consecutive month the Philippines has ranked the lowest in Bloomberg’s COVID Resilience Ranking with a score of 40.5 — though slightly higher than the 40.2 it got in September.

The indicators used in the report include vaccination coverage, virus containment, the severity of lockdowns, quality of healthcare, progress toward restarting travel, and the overall mortality throughout the pandemic.

The report revealed that Southeast Asian countries remain at the low end of the list — with Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines landing in the bottom six.

“While the region’s outbreak may have peaked and vaccination has progressed, especially in Malaysia, many of these export-reliant economies are still reeling from delta’s hit,” the report said.

“That’s spurring these nations to chart clearer paths to reopening, though it’ll take time for them to catch up to Europe and the US,” it added.

The report also showed that the Philippines had one of the lowest scores in vaccine coverage, with just 26 percent of the population covered, the lowest among Southeast Asian countries in the list.

Meanwhile, at the top of the list is Ireland, Spain, United Arab Emirates, Denmark, and Finland.

The United States ranks 26th, and China ranks 28th.

Singapore dropped 20 places to the 39th spot amid the reimposition and extension of some domestic curbs after record daily cases and deaths.

As of Oct. 27, the Philippines has 2,768,849 confirmed COVID-19 infections, including 2,676,349 recoveries and 42,348 deaths.

Earlier this month, the Philippines was also listed last among 151 countries worldwide in Nikkei Asia’s COVID-19 Recovery Index on Oct. 6.

By Zacarian Sarao

Published : October 28, 2021

By : Philippine Daily Inquirer

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/international/40008078

BEIJING – Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has said that the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) will reach a threshold of entry into force soon, and countries need to hasten work for it to take effect as early as possible.

Li made the remarks Wednesday while attending the 24th ASEAN Plus China, Japan and ROK Summit. 

Countries need to hasten work for the agreement to take effect as early as possible, and continue to advance free trade and pursue higher-level integration, Li said. 

China will host capacity-building programs such as training of personnel and experience sharing on RCEP implementation for interested governments, business chambers or associations, and companies from ASEAN countries, said Li.

He said China will also organize a symposium for high-standard implementation of the RCEP next year and welcomes the active participation of all sides. 

Published : October 28, 2021

By : China Daily

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/international/40008077

SINGAPORE – Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Wednesday (Oct 27) announced a A$124 million (S$126 million) package supporting cooperation with Asean on security, climate and health efforts, as Canberra pushes for ties with the regional bloc to be upgraded to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

Speaking on the second of three days of virtual meetings between Asean leaders and those of their key partners from the region, Mr Morrison added that the growth of Asean’s 10 member states underpins regional stability and Australia’s prosperity.

He told his counterparts at the Asean-Australia Summit that a comprehensive strategic partnership between both parties would be “more than just a label”.

“We want our cooperation to reach new heights,” Mr Morrison added. “We will back it with substance that positions our partnership to address complex challenges in the future.”

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said Singapore agrees in principle with Australia’s proposal to elevate relations with Asean, and encourages continued discussions on the matter.

PM Lee added that he is grateful for Australia’s steadfast commitment to post-pandemic recovery efforts in the region, through its Vaccine Access and Health Security Initiative and Partnerships for Recovery policy.

Mr Morrison said Australia has shared almost four million vaccine doses with the region and expects to share another 10 million at least by the middle of next year.

PM Lee also said both sides could work to leverage opportunities in a growing global digital economy, noting that Australia has strongly supported the Asean Smart Cities Network through its own Smart Cities Initiative and Smart Cities Trust Fund.

They should also uphold Asean centrality, he added, saying: “Asean and Australia share similar strategic regional outlooks”.

The Australian PM also assured his Asean counterparts that the new three-way security partnership between his country, Britain and the United States, known as Aukus, does not change Canberra’s commitment to the region or to nuclear non-proliferation.

The pact will supply Canberra with nuclear-powered submarines, and has divided sentiment among Asean leaders over its potential to spark an arms race and escalate tensions between the US, its allies and an increasingly assertive China.

“Aukus does not change Australia’s commitment to Asean or the Asean outlook on the Indo-Pacific. It reinforces it. It reinforces the backing that we have for an Asean-led regional architecture,” said Mr Morrison.

“Aukus adds to our network of partnerships that support regional stability and security.”

PM Lee noted that Singapore welcomes new regional architecture formulations that support Asean centrality, deepen economic integration, and promote a stable and secure Asia-Pacific region and a rules-based order.

“We welcome Australia’s assurance that its Aukus partnership with the United States and United Kingdom will be consistent with these criteria,” he said.

Turning his attention to Myanmar – which has hogged headlines with its no-show at this week’s Asean meetings – PM Lee reiterated Singapore’s concerns and disappointment over the ongoing crisis and lack of resolution.

He called for the release of Australian national Sean Turnell, a Macquarie University professor and adviser to deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Both, along with President Win Myint, who has been detained since a February coup that ousted Ms Suu Kyi’s government and ignited violent, deadly protests.

PM Lee thanked Australia for pledging A$5 million to the Asean Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on disaster management (AHA Centre).

“We also welcome Australia’s willingness to engage in constructive dialogue in support of the people of Myanmar and the country’s democratic transition,” he said.

By Justin Ong

Published : October 28, 2021

By : The Straits Times

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/international/40008076

KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama): Malaysia suggests that Asean and Japan explore the possibility of seconding expert researchers to the Asean Centre for Public Health Emergencies and Emerging Diseases to work towards the production of vaccines in the region.

In making the suggestion at the 24th Asean-Japan Summit, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said this would help to address the regional shortage of vaccines and prepare for possible emerging diseases.

He said Japan’s contribution to the centre was important and its timely establishment was vital to assist Asean member states in dire need of assistance to mitigate the impact of Covid-19.

“Looking ahead, Asean and Japan should enhance multi-disciplinary cooperation in health to better prepare the region to meet future health-related emergencies,” he said in his intervention at the summit on Wednesday (Oct 27).

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida also attended the Summit, his first since being appointed to the country’s top post early this month.

Ismail Sabri said Malaysia appreciates Japan’s support and contribution towards the Asean Comprehensive Recovery Framework to mitigate the impact of Covid-19 and Japan’s vaccine contributions to Asean member states have contributed greatly to these efforts.

Touching on cybersecurity, Ismail Sabri said Asean and Japan should further consolidate cooperation through the Asean-Japan Cyber Security Capacity Building Centre.

He said Malaysia looked forward to Japan’s support in developing a digital security professional development and lifelong learning programme, aimed at developing capacity building in cyber security.

He also congratulated Japan for successfully hosting the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics during these challenging times.

He added that Japan has remained a steadfast friend of Asean since 1973 and the 10-member bloc appreciates Japan’s support and assistance over the years which has contributed to Asean’s community-building efforts.

“We look forward to further enhancing Asean-Japan dialogue relations. Malaysia welcomes Japan’s proposal to host an in-person special commemorative summit in Japan in 2023, to celebrate 50 years of dialogue relations,” he added.

The 24th Asean-Japan Summit was held on the sidelines of the three-day virtual 38th and 39th Asean Summits and Related Summits which began Tuesday (Oct 26) under the chairmanship of Brunei. – Bernama

Published : October 28, 2021

By : The Star

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/international/40008075

9th Asian Legislative Experts Symposium also explores how Asian countries should work together

Leading legislative experts from the Asian region gathered Wednesday to discuss the present and future of legislative administration at a symposium held in Seoul.

The 9th Asian Legislative Experts Symposium, organized by the Ministry of Government Legislation and Korea Legislation Research Institute, was held under the theme of “Legislative Administration of Each Asian Country and Cooperation Measures,” in a hybrid in-person and online conference.

The event comprised two main sessions: present and future of legislative administration of Korea and other Asian countries; and cooperation measures for the development of Asian countries’ legislative administration. The meeting was attended by legislative experts from six Asian countries, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand, Uzbekistan and South Korea.

In the opening remarks, Government Legislation Minister Lee Kang-seop said, “The ALES has been held every year since 2013 to discuss legislative solutions to various issues such as information and communications, urban development, transportation, safety management, administrative procedures, and prevention of infectious diseases. The symposium has provided precious opportunities for Asian countries to share their opinions on various issues.”

“Legislation is the process of making a bowl to hold national policies and making a fence around the society at large. Economic growth and social development of each country have been ensured based on legislation that is an institutional framework,” he said.

Lee hoped the legislative administration of each country and measures for legislative cooperation and exchange would be discussed at the symposium.

Kim Kye-hong, president of the Korea Legislation Research Institute, said, “Last year, we focused on legislation concerning the pandemic response and cooperation strategies in Asia in the post-coronavirus era. In the face of an unprecedented crisis, it was an opportunity to reflect on the importance of cooperation between countries in the Asian region.”

“Now is the time to respond to and overcome crises together and seek ways to achieve shared prosperity and stability through cooperation among Asian countries,” he said.

“To this end, each Asian country should prepare laws and systems that are reasonable and effective while meeting the peculiar conditions of their own countries.”

Hong Jang-pyo, president of the Korea Development Institute, said systematic modification of laws and systems that are the foundation for governing a state has significantly contributed to Korea’s economic development.

“Systematic modification of laws and systems is necessary to ensure the development of global economy and co-prosperity of an international society. The modification of laws and systems can be regarded as laying the groundwork for governing a state well,” Hong said.

Le Thanh Long, Vietnam’s minister of justice, said improving the country’s legal system to meet sustainable development goals has always been one of the top priorities and a long-term investment.

“After 35 years of renovation, the work of developing and improving Vietnam’s institutions has achieved many remarkable results,” he said.

“We look forward to and will continue to actively cooperate with Korea and other countries in the Asian region in the process of legal reform, together towards the goal of building an increasingly prosperous and developed Asia.”

During the first session titled “Present and future of legislative administration of Korea and other Asian countries,” participants presented exemplary cases of legislative administration.

Ryu Chol-ho, director of the ministry’s office for administrative legislation innovation, presented Korea’s general act on public administration. Ryu Jun-mo, director of the ministry’s legislative information division, introduced the nation’s legislative information system.

Kardwiyana Ukar, head of the bureau of government internal affairs from the Secretariat Cabinet of Indonesia, and Nguyen Hong Tuyen, director general of general affairs on legislative development from the Ministry of Justice of Vietnam, presented exemplary cases of their respective countries.

By Shin Ji-hye

Published : October 28, 2021

By : The Korea Herald

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/international/40008033

The newlywed daughter of Crown Prince Akishino, Mako Komuro, and her husband Kei held a press conference Tuesday afternoon at a hotel in Tokyo after their marriage registration was accepted by the Shibuya Ward office in Tokyo in the morning. The following is excerpted from their statements.

Mako Komuro: I am aware that there are various views on the marriage between Kei and me. I sincerely apologize to those who have been inconvenienced by this. And I am grateful to those who thought of me and tenderly worried, and to those who were not misled by groundless information and continued to extend unwavering support to me and Kei. For me, Kei is an irreplaceable presence. And for us, marriage was a choice we needed to make in order to live our lives while carefully protecting our feelings.

Kei Komuro: I love Mako. I want to live my one and only life with the person I love. We have shared many feelings and encouraged each other through both happy and not-so-happy times. I am very sorry for the people who were inconvenienced by issues related to this marriage. Many things had happened, but thanks to Mako and the people who have supported us, I have been able to uphold my desire to proceed through life with Mako. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude.

Mako: Until today, my opportunities to speak publicly have been limited. I believe that this has led to some misunderstandings. As some of you know, since the news about the engagement came out, Kei has never acted on his own. For example, Kei’s mother’s response to her former fiance was carried out in the direction I requested. Regarding Kei’s studies overseas, I asked him to move forward his plans to study abroad and to establish a base overseas. I was unable to provide any support for his overseas studies, but I am grateful that Kei made the effort to do so despite the difficult circumstances.

Whenever I heard criticism that Kei was acting independently or one-sided speculation that he was not thinking about my feelings, I was horrified and saddened by the fact that the inaccurate information was somehow being picked up as if it was undisputed fact and unfounded stories were being circulated. I am grateful to those who continued to believe in Kei despite the difficult situation.

Newlywed daughter of Crown Prince Akishino holds press conference with husband Kei Komuro

Kei: In April, I made public the details of what is considered to be a financial dispute between my mother and her former fiance. As stated in the document released, my mother and I have expressed gratitude to the former fiance time after time, and we are still grateful to him. I proposed handing over a financial settlement this April, and he replied that it was important for him to meet with my mother. My mother, however, is now psychologically unwell and her doctor advised against meeting with him. Therefore, I told him through my mother’s attorney that I would like to take care of the matter on her behalf. I have received a positive response from a weekly magazine reporter who has been representing the former fiance. I want to do everything I can to resolve the issue. Our wish for the former fiance to accept the settlement money has not changed.

Over the past few years, misinformation has been treated as if it were fact. I am extremely saddened that Mako’s physical and mental condition has been affected by the continued slander.

My mother has also been suffering from mental and physical problems. She has been forced to quit her job and is living in fear for her safety. I am very grateful to the many people who have helped us through this difficult time. I would like to build a warm family with Mako. At the same time, I want to continue to support Mako in any way possible. We would like to continue to be irreplaceable companions, supporting each other through both the happy and not-so-happy times.

Mako: The two of us are starting a new life together. I am sure there will be difficulties in different ways as we live our lives. But as we have done until now, we would like to join our efforts and proceed through life together. We have been able to stay true to ourselves because we have each other and because of the people who encouraged and supported us. I believe there are many people who are hurting right now, who are finding it difficult to live while protecting their feelings. I sincerely hope that we can create a society in which more people can live while protecting their feelings with the warm help and support of people around them.

Published : October 27, 2021

By : The Japan News