The stories shaping Malaysia, in focus.
Indonesia faces mounting pressure on its export competitiveness as US tariffs combine with higher domestic production costs, threatening market share to rivals like Cambodia and Vietnam in labour-intensive industries.
The Philippines is negotiating with the United States to reduce a 12.5% tariff imposed over forced labour import concerns, aiming for a 10% rate instead, according to Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez.
Ho Chi Minh City has commenced construction of a US$261 million international port facility aimed at boosting the southern region's logistics capacity and reducing transport costs that currently drain 14-16% of Vietnam's GDP.
Belgium's Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prévot has expressed confidence that concluding the Malaysia-EU Free Trade Agreement will generate significant trade opportunities and job creation for both sides, with negotiations expected to conclude within months.