2.SOARING DEMAND FOR FRAGRANT RICE IN THE US -- FRESH NEWS

Cambodia exported more than 7,300 tonnes of rice to the United States (US) in the first half of 2026. It reflects the growing demand for fragrant rice in the American market.

bootstrap slideshow

INDONESIA 

1.INDONESIA-EUROPEAN UNION CEPA ENTERS KEY APPROVAL PHASE: MINISTER -- ANTARA

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto announced significant progress in talks surrounding the Indonesia-European Union Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (IEUCEPA), noting the European Commission’s move to submit a conclusion proposal at the EU Council.

2.INDONESIA MOVES CLOSER TO CPTPP MEMBERSHIP WITH ACCESSION TALKS -- ANTARA

Preparatory discussions have begun for Indonesia’s aspired accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto confirmed.

MYANMAR 

1.BIDS INVITED FOR SIX SOLAR WATER PUMPING PROJECTS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

The Yangon Region government has invited bids for six solar-powered water pumping projects at six locations across the region. The deadline for submitting tenders is July 15.

2.MYANMAR-LAO RESET DIPLOMATIC AFFAIRS -- THE GLOBAL NEW LIGHT OF MYANMAR

Myanmar and Laos are keen to advance bilateral ties to a strategic partnership to bolster their diplomatic cooperation. Enhancing inter-parliamentary relations, trade promotion and cargo transport will be given top priority. 

PHILIPPINES

1.CANADIAN MINING FIRM EYES US$14-M INVESTMENT FOR NEW, ONGOING PROJECTS -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY (PNA)

Canadian mining company B2Gold Corp. is planning to invest approximately US$14 million for the expansion of its Masbate Gold Project and new exploration initiatives.

2.PBBM POSITIONS PH AS ‘RESPONSIBLE’ HUB FOR MINERAL PROCESSING -- PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY (PNA)

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday (Canada time) positioned the Philippines as a “responsible” hub for mineral processing and a strategic partner in critical miners during a high-level discussion with key stakeholders here in Canada.

THAILAND  

1.ONCB PROBE FINDS FOREIGN RINGLEADERS BEHIND AUSTRALIA-TAIWAN DRUG ROUTE -- THE NATION

Thai authorities have arrested the delivery rider who allegedly handed narcotics to a flight attendant, as the ONCB expands its probe into a network using Thailand as a transit route to Australia and Taiwan.

2.PM WARNS DRUG NETWORKS -- BANGKOK POST

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has admitted the arrest of a Thai Airways crew member in Australia on alleged drug-smuggling charges has damaged the nation's international reputation, declaring narcotics suppression a national agenda item.

VIETNAM

1.INTERNAL BUSINESS CLIMATE FLOURISHING -- VIETNAMPLUS

The Finance Ministry announced that 111,700 new businesses were established in the country in the first half of 2026. The newly registered capital of businesses amounted to US$51.8 billion (RM211 billion).

2.CRACKING DOWN ON SMUGGLING, COUNTERFEIT -- VIETNAMPLUS

The government said nearly 20,000 cases involving smuggling, trade fraud and counterfeit goods were handled in the first six months of 2026. Nearly 5,400 intellectual property-related cases were resolved in the second quarter alone.

-- BERNAMA