ASEAN Express News April 29, 2026
The ASEAN Express News for April 29, 2026, reports on various key economic news from Southeast Asian countries, including Vietnam's strong electronic product exports, Laos' highway construction, Singapore's banks facing profit declines, the Philippines' concerns over interest rate hikes due to the Middle East situation, Myanmar's central bank intervening in foreign exchange, Malaysia's falling palm oil prices, Thailand's loan approval for fuel price stabilization, and Cambodia receiving World Bank financing.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 29, 2026 at 18:15
- 🔍 Collected: April 29, 2026 at 18:31 (15 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 30, 2026 at 02:36 (8h 4m after Collected)
ASEAN Financial Special Report (Total 300 articles)
Central News
nắm bắt新南向，放眼東協經濟脈動。中央社「東南亞財經資訊專網」每日為您精選多則泰國、越南、印尼、馬來西亞、菲律賓等國的財經頭條。無論是政府新政、產業動向或投資商機，讓您即時掌握關鍵資訊，洞悉市場，搶占商機。
Vietnam: Global Manufacturers Expand Production, Driving Export Growth
(Central News Agency, Taipei, April 29th) Vietnam's electronic product imports significantly increased early this year, indicating major enterprises accelerating investment to expand manufacturing capacity to meet growing global demand and the pressure from surging orders in Vietnam.
According to VNA, as of April 15th, electronic product exports performed strongly, reaching US$55.4 billion. Computers, electronic products, and related components earned Vietnam US$36.5 billion, a year-on-year increase of 47.3%; mobile phones and components exported were valued at US$18.9 billion, a year-on-year increase of 19.7%.
Driven by the rapid expansion of the leading electronics industry, Vietnam's total exports in the first four months of this year surged over 20% compared to the same period last year. Customs data showed that the total export value reached US$144.58 billion, a year-on-year increase of 20.3%, US$24.4 billion more than the same period last year.
Laos: Feasibility Study Agreement Signed for New Sections of Vientiane-Boten Expressway
(Central News Agency, Taipei, April 29th) The Lao government and China Hunan Bangying Industrial Group signed a feasibility study agreement to conduct a feasibility study and design for two new sections of the Vientiane-Boten Expressway. The goal is to bring this 440-kilometer expressway corridor closer to the borders of the two countries before 2030.
'The Laotian Times' reported that the agreement was signed by the Lao Investment Promotion and Management Committee on behalf of the government and China Hunan Bangying Industrial Group, which will also be responsible for contracting these two sections of the project.
Singapore: Analysts Expect Q1 Profit Decline for 3 Banks
(Central News Agency, Taipei, April 29th) Zheng Weiquan, an analyst at China Galaxy International Securities, stated that due to lower interest rates in Singapore and economic uncertainties, DBS, OCBC, and UOB are facing pressure on their first-quarter performance. He estimates that the net profits of the three banks will fall by 3.5% to 7.9% compared to the same period last year.
Singapore's 'Lianhe Zaobao' reported that the escalating Middle East war has kept U.S. interest rates high for an extended period, but Zheng Weiquan pointed out that Singapore's interest rates are not expected to fully follow the U.S. trend and may remain at a lower level overall, affecting bank profitability. DBS Group will release its earnings before April 30th, and UOB and OCBC Bank will announce on May 7th and 8th, respectively.
Philippines: Central Bank Interest Rates Could Reach 6% if Middle East War Continues Beyond May
(Central News Agency, Taipei, April 29th) The Philippine Central Bank may raise its benchmark policy interest rate to a maximum of 6% this year, partly due to the prolonged Middle East conflict, which is pushing up fertilizer and food prices. Aris Dacanay, HSBC's Chief Economist for ASEAN, pointed out that in an environment of 'stagflation' with both rising inflation and unemployment, the central bank faces difficult choices. The baseline scenario was an increase to 4.75%, but if the conflict continues, policy may be further tightened.
He stated that the impact of fertilizer prices typically has a 3 to 6-month lag effect, which will be reflected in agricultural output as early as the second half of the year, further pushing up food prices and inflation, with inflation potentially reaching 8.1% in the fourth quarter. If rice prices fall, the magnitude of rate hikes could decrease; however, current food and energy cost pressures persist, making the monetary policy outlook uncertain.
Myanmar: Central Bank Injects Funds to Curb Foreign Exchange Market Volatility
(Central News Agency, Taipei, April 29th) The Central Bank of Myanmar sold over US$4.6 million to edible oil importers and over US$13,400 to material processing enterprises on the 27th, and conducted transactions of over 2.3 million Thai Baht in the market.
'The Global New Light of Myanmar' reported that the Central Bank continues to curb foreign exchange market volatility and currency depreciation by injecting foreign currency. In March, it injected over US$44.84 million, 61 million Thai Baht, and 700,000 Chinese Yuan into the market; in February, it injected US$35 million, 34 million Thai Baht, and over 3 million Chinese Yuan; and in January, it injected US$43 million, 65 million Thai Baht, and over 4 million Chinese Yuan.
Malaysia: Palm Oil Prices Continue to Fall Amid Weak Demand Concerns
(Central News Agency, Taipei, April 29th) Bloomberg reported that despite the Iran war increasing the appeal of crop-based fuels, palm oil prices continued to fall due to growing concerns among major buyers about slow demand for vegetable oils.
According to Intertek Testing Services data, Malaysian palm oil exports from April 1st to 25th declined by approximately 16% compared to the previous month, primarily due to weaker shipments to India, China, and Europe. Another cargo surveyor, AmSpec Agri, reported a 17% decline during the same period.
Thailand: Cabinet Supports 20 Billion Baht Loan to Stabilize Fuel Prices
(Central News Agency, Taipei, April 29th) The Thai Cabinet has approved a plan allowing the Oil Fuel Fund Office (Offo) to borrow 20 billion Thai Baht to increase the fund's liquidity. This move aims to stabilize domestic energy prices amid global oil shortages.
'Bangkok Post' reported today that Thai government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek stated that after the outbreak of the Middle East war, retail oil prices in Thailand were affected, increasing people's cost of living. The Oil Fuel Fund Office's loan plan can proceed after the Cabinet approves the public debt management plan to stabilize people's livelihoods.
Cambodia: World Bank Approves US$300 Million Project to Improve Regional Connectivity
(Central News Agency, Taipei, April 29th) The World Bank's Executive Board yesterday approved the first phase of the 'Cambodia Regional Connectivity Improvement Project' (CRCI) Multi-Phase Programmatic Approach (MPA), with a total financing of US$300 million, and the first phase being US$150 million, supported by the International Development Association (IDA).
'Cambodia-China Times' reported that the first phase of the project will focus on improving
Central News
nắm bắt新南向，放眼東協經濟脈動。中央社「東南亞財經資訊專網」每日為您精選多則泰國、越南、印尼、馬來西亞、菲律賓等國的財經頭條。無論是政府新政、產業動向或投資商機，讓您即時掌握關鍵資訊，洞悉市場，搶占商機。
Vietnam: Global Manufacturers Expand Production, Driving Export Growth
(Central News Agency, Taipei, April 29th) Vietnam's electronic product imports significantly increased early this year, indicating major enterprises accelerating investment to expand manufacturing capacity to meet growing global demand and the pressure from surging orders in Vietnam.
According to VNA, as of April 15th, electronic product exports performed strongly, reaching US$55.4 billion. Computers, electronic products, and related components earned Vietnam US$36.5 billion, a year-on-year increase of 47.3%; mobile phones and components exported were valued at US$18.9 billion, a year-on-year increase of 19.7%.
Driven by the rapid expansion of the leading electronics industry, Vietnam's total exports in the first four months of this year surged over 20% compared to the same period last year. Customs data showed that the total export value reached US$144.58 billion, a year-on-year increase of 20.3%, US$24.4 billion more than the same period last year.
Laos: Feasibility Study Agreement Signed for New Sections of Vientiane-Boten Expressway
(Central News Agency, Taipei, April 29th) The Lao government and China Hunan Bangying Industrial Group signed a feasibility study agreement to conduct a feasibility study and design for two new sections of the Vientiane-Boten Expressway. The goal is to bring this 440-kilometer expressway corridor closer to the borders of the two countries before 2030.
'The Laotian Times' reported that the agreement was signed by the Lao Investment Promotion and Management Committee on behalf of the government and China Hunan Bangying Industrial Group, which will also be responsible for contracting these two sections of the project.
Singapore: Analysts Expect Q1 Profit Decline for 3 Banks
(Central News Agency, Taipei, April 29th) Zheng Weiquan, an analyst at China Galaxy International Securities, stated that due to lower interest rates in Singapore and economic uncertainties, DBS, OCBC, and UOB are facing pressure on their first-quarter performance. He estimates that the net profits of the three banks will fall by 3.5% to 7.9% compared to the same period last year.
Singapore's 'Lianhe Zaobao' reported that the escalating Middle East war has kept U.S. interest rates high for an extended period, but Zheng Weiquan pointed out that Singapore's interest rates are not expected to fully follow the U.S. trend and may remain at a lower level overall, affecting bank profitability. DBS Group will release its earnings before April 30th, and UOB and OCBC Bank will announce on May 7th and 8th, respectively.
Philippines: Central Bank Interest Rates Could Reach 6% if Middle East War Continues Beyond May
(Central News Agency, Taipei, April 29th) The Philippine Central Bank may raise its benchmark policy interest rate to a maximum of 6% this year, partly due to the prolonged Middle East conflict, which is pushing up fertilizer and food prices. Aris Dacanay, HSBC's Chief Economist for ASEAN, pointed out that in an environment of 'stagflation' with both rising inflation and unemployment, the central bank faces difficult choices. The baseline scenario was an increase to 4.75%, but if the conflict continues, policy may be further tightened.
He stated that the impact of fertilizer prices typically has a 3 to 6-month lag effect, which will be reflected in agricultural output as early as the second half of the year, further pushing up food prices and inflation, with inflation potentially reaching 8.1% in the fourth quarter. If rice prices fall, the magnitude of rate hikes could decrease; however, current food and energy cost pressures persist, making the monetary policy outlook uncertain.
Myanmar: Central Bank Injects Funds to Curb Foreign Exchange Market Volatility
(Central News Agency, Taipei, April 29th) The Central Bank of Myanmar sold over US$4.6 million to edible oil importers and over US$13,400 to material processing enterprises on the 27th, and conducted transactions of over 2.3 million Thai Baht in the market.
'The Global New Light of Myanmar' reported that the Central Bank continues to curb foreign exchange market volatility and currency depreciation by injecting foreign currency. In March, it injected over US$44.84 million, 61 million Thai Baht, and 700,000 Chinese Yuan into the market; in February, it injected US$35 million, 34 million Thai Baht, and over 3 million Chinese Yuan; and in January, it injected US$43 million, 65 million Thai Baht, and over 4 million Chinese Yuan.
Malaysia: Palm Oil Prices Continue to Fall Amid Weak Demand Concerns
(Central News Agency, Taipei, April 29th) Bloomberg reported that despite the Iran war increasing the appeal of crop-based fuels, palm oil prices continued to fall due to growing concerns among major buyers about slow demand for vegetable oils.
According to Intertek Testing Services data, Malaysian palm oil exports from April 1st to 25th declined by approximately 16% compared to the previous month, primarily due to weaker shipments to India, China, and Europe. Another cargo surveyor, AmSpec Agri, reported a 17% decline during the same period.
Thailand: Cabinet Supports 20 Billion Baht Loan to Stabilize Fuel Prices
(Central News Agency, Taipei, April 29th) The Thai Cabinet has approved a plan allowing the Oil Fuel Fund Office (Offo) to borrow 20 billion Thai Baht to increase the fund's liquidity. This move aims to stabilize domestic energy prices amid global oil shortages.
'Bangkok Post' reported today that Thai government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek stated that after the outbreak of the Middle East war, retail oil prices in Thailand were affected, increasing people's cost of living. The Oil Fuel Fund Office's loan plan can proceed after the Cabinet approves the public debt management plan to stabilize people's livelihoods.
Cambodia: World Bank Approves US$300 Million Project to Improve Regional Connectivity
(Central News Agency, Taipei, April 29th) The World Bank's Executive Board yesterday approved the first phase of the 'Cambodia Regional Connectivity Improvement Project' (CRCI) Multi-Phase Programmatic Approach (MPA), with a total financing of US$300 million, and the first phase being US$150 million, supported by the International Development Association (IDA).
'Cambodia-China Times' reported that the first phase of the project will focus on improving