42nd ASEAN Summit

Talks between Indonesia and the United States remain in limbo just days ahead of a deadline both parties set for reaching a trade deal to avert punishing US import tariffs that would effectively shut off the world’s largest consumer market for many Indonesian products. Asked where the negotiations currently stood, Edi Prio Pambudi, an undersecretary at the Office of the Coordinating Economic Minister, told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday that Indonesia “is awaiting America’s response”.

1.NUSANTARA TO COMPLETE 40-METRE-WIDE MAIN ROAD IN SIX MONTHS -- JAKARTA GLOBE

The Nusantara Capital Authority officially launched construction on a 12-kilometre, 40-metre-wide main road in the heart of Indonesia’s future capital on Wednesday, aiming to complete the project within six months. Basuki Hadimuljono, head of the Nusantara Capital Authority, said the project has a total budget of Rp 3 trillion (approximately US$184.5 million) and is expected to be finished by the end of this year.

LAOS 

1.EASING ECONOMIC PRESSURE TO LESSEN COST OF LIVING -- VIENTIANE TIMES 

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has vowed to address inflation, currency instability, rising commodity prices and public debt. The government will also review electricity tariffs to reduce the cost of living for civil servants, military and police personnel.

2.LOCA TO LAUNCH GREEN BONDS TO MODERNISE EV SECTOR -- VIENTIANE TIMES

Lao ride-hailing and electric mobility platform LOCA will launch an RM11 million (US$2.5 million) green bond to modernise transportation. The funds will be used to expand electric vehicle (EV) charging stations and roll out of LOCA MINI electric taxis.

MYANMAR

1.FRESHWATER PRODUCT EXPORTS EARNS RM3 BILLION -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

Myanmar exported 550,000 metric tonnes of freshwater products that generated about RM3 billion (US$722 million) in the 2024-2025 financial year. Most of the exports are rohu, catla catla and ilish to India, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia and other countries. 

2.LENIENT EXPORT POLICY FOR FARM PRODUCTS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR 

Ninety-seven agricultural products, including rice and pulses, will be allowed for export under the automatic licence system to assist exporters following the earthquake. Previously, all goods exported from seaports and border trade posts require export licences.

VIETNAM

1.TRADITIONAL VENDORS TO EMBRACE DIGITAL PAYMENT -- VIETNAM PLUS

The Ministry of Industry and Trade will promote digital payment system to traditional market vendors to grow their sales, both locally and abroad. The ministry will launch the “Digital Transformation for Traditional Market Vendors” programme on June 14.

2.MAY TOTAL AUTO SALES HIT NEARLY 30,000 UNITS -- VIETNAM PLUS 

The Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association said total sales in May reached 29,210 units. Sales include 20,014 passenger cars, 8,983 commercial units and 213 special-purpose vehicles. Passenger car sales dropped 3.6 per cent compared to the previous month.

-- BERNAMA