Asean trains sights on trade and security
OP-ED:
SINGAPORE’S
The Straits Times
Asean trains sights on trade and security
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In the midst of a gathering geopolitical storm, South-east Asia’s 52-year-old grouping made the call to proceed with two ambitious and far-reaching endeavours that will cement the region’s topmost priorities: trade and security. Meeting in Bangkok last weekend, Asean leaders signalled their commitment to press on with the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a new mother lode for the region’s export-driven economies. Proposed in 2012, the RCEP aims to link the region with China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand to form the world’s largest trading pact.
If initialled at the year-end – or if substantial headway is made in talks – it would count as a significant achievement at a time when the world’s two largest economies are staring eyeball to eyeball in an escalating trade war. A possible hurdle is India’s reluctance to open up its markets for fear that a flood of cheap Chinese goods will edge out its own manufacturers. India also wants provisions that ease the movement of workers, a sticking point with other partners. There is no easy solution but for New Delhi to opt out would undermine its “Act East” policy and the pact’s potential.
TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE:
https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/st-editorial/asean-trains-sights-on-trade-and-security
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THAILAND’S BANGKOK POST
EDITORIAL:
Prayut must form govt fast
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More than three months after the election on March 24, and after Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, prime minister and leader of the National Council for Peace and Order, secured his premiership with royal endorsement, the country still does not have a new government. This is a semi-power vacuum that is unprecedented in Thailand’s political history.
Such a strange situation has triggered wide speculation among political observers.
While the executive branch is not ready, parliament or the legislative branch is going ahead at full steam. House debates convened yesterday with politicians from the opposition camp grilling and questioning the performance of the previous Prayut administration. Some also targeted the 20-year national reform plan introduced by the coup-installed body.
Gen Prayut, in a bid to douse public speculation, assured the new government would be formed by mid July, saying checks of the ministers’ qualifications were under way. The prime minister is to travel to Japan tomorrow to attend the G20 Summit.
It is understood that he will likely send the cabinet lineup to the palace for royal endorsement after the G20 trip.
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TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE:
https://www.bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinion/1702476/prayut-must-form-govt-fast
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