ASEAN Finance / ASEAN Express on June 17, 2026

ASEAN Finance Special Report (300 articles total)

Central News

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Vietnam: Upgraded to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Vietnam-EU Economic Ties Enter New Phase

(CNA Taipei, June 17) Vietnamese Finance Minister Vo Hong Phuc reaffirmed Vietnam's commitment to its strategic relationship with the European Union. Particularly since the 'EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement' took effect on August 1, 2020, and bilateral relations were elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in January 2026, economic, trade, and investment cooperation has entered a new phase with significant growth potential.

Phuc emphasized that Vietnam's Ministry of Finance stands ready to engage in dialogue 'at any time, at any place' to swiftly address concerns and create the most favorable business environment for European investors.

Laos: Signs Peaceful Nuclear Energy Agreement with Russia, Pledges to Strengthen Trade Ties

(CNA Taipei, June 17) The governments of Laos and Russia have signed a cooperation agreement on the peaceful use of nuclear energy and are accelerating plans to expand bilateral trade and investment.

As an initial step, both parties have proposed conducting preliminary feasibility studies to assess how nuclear power plants could be integrated into Laos' existing energy system.

Singapore: Strong AI Demand Drives 38.4% Surge in Non-Oil Exports in May

(CNA Taipei, June 17) Enterprise Singapore reported a 38.4% year-on-year increase in non-oil domestic exports (NODX) in May, continuing the strong momentum from April. Electronics exports surged 94.8%, driven by robust demand for AI-related products.

The Business Times reported that non-electronic exports rose 17.7%, with pharmaceuticals leading the growth, more than doubling. Among major global markets, Singapore's exports to Taiwan and the U.S. stood out in May, increasing by over 100% and 80.9% respectively. Only exports to Indonesia among the top ten markets declined.

Philippines: Second International Bond Issuance in 2024 Raises USD 2.5 Billion

(CNA Taipei, June 17) Bloomberg reported that the Philippines issued international bonds for the second time this year, raising USD 2.5 billion. The move capitalized on optimistic market sentiment regarding a potential peace agreement between the U.S. and Iran, which has lowered borrowing costs, to fund government expenditures.

Anonymous sources familiar with the matter, citing non-disclosure, revealed that the Philippines issued three tranches of U.S. dollar-denominated bonds, including a USD 300 million top-up to the initial USD 2.75 billion bond issued in January.

Myanmar: Promoting High-Quality Durian Cultivation to Capture International Markets

(CNA Taipei, June 17) Myanmar plans to adopt Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in durian cultivation and leverage the Myanmar Durian Growers and Exporters Association to expand into international markets.

The Myanmar Times reported that association officials estimate durian demand in Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai alone could reach USD 10 billion. Myanmar aims to enter the Chinese market through value-added durian products.

Malaysia: Airbus Confirms Cancellation of AirAsia X's 15 A330-900 Orders

(CNA Taipei, June 17) Airbus confirmed that the order for 15 A330-900 aircraft from AirAsia X, Southeast Asia's largest low-cost carrier, has been mutually agreed to be canceled.

The Star reported that an Airbus spokesperson told Bernama: 'Airbus can confirm that the order has been mutually agreed to be canceled.' Previous reports indicated that the cancellation is linked to AirAsia Group's strategic shift toward long-haul narrow-body aircraft.

Thailand: Industrial Confidence Dips for Third Consecutive Month in May, Hit by Middle East Conflict and Labor Shortages

(CNA Taipei, June 17) Thailand's Federation of Industries reported that the industrial confidence index fell from 85.3 in April to 84.7 in May, marking the third consecutive monthly decline, impacted by Middle East conflicts, production slowdowns, and labor shortages.

The Bangkok Post reported that the manufacturing production index (MPI) dropped to 92.76 in April, down 0.36% year-on-year. The machinery sector declined 12.9% due to reduced overseas air conditioner orders; extreme heat caused a 16.1% plunge in palm oil output; and fertilizer and nitrogen compound production fell 28% due to raw material shortages caused by Middle East tensions.

Cambodia: Rapid 5G Network Expansion as Telecom Operators Add Base Stations

(CNA Taipei, June 17) Data released by the Cambodian Telecommunication Regulator shows that the country's three major telecom operators are adopting different strategies in building 5G infrastructure, focusing on high-density deployment and broad provincial coverage.

The Khmer Times reported that within the first six months of 5G rollout, the three operators deployed 2,091 5G base stations while continuing to expand 4G network coverage to ensure seamless connectivity for all users.

Indonesia: BofA Survey Shows Indonesia Replaces India as Asia's Least Favored Market

(CNA Taipei, June 17) Bloomberg reported that according to a Bank of America survey of fund managers, Indonesia's stock market has overtaken India to become the least favored market in Asia, while North Asian equities remain clear market winners.

BofA surveyed 198 fund managers overseeing USD 540 billion in total assets between June 5 and June 11. Strategists noted in the report that 'the growth potential of AI is still underestimated,' with only 9% of investors believing AI's positive impact on stock prices is already fully reflected.

※ For more information, contact Group Leader Zhang Lijuan at (02) 2505-1180#792 or mia@mail.cna.com.tw

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