The latest news on what's happening in the region on March 31, 2023

ANN News Highlights
Bringing Asia Closer

EV Indonesia 
Ford in $4.5b deal for EV battery materials plant in Indonesia - Reuters for Jakarta Post

Tragedy Philippines
Floating inferno: Dozens dead, missing in ferry fire | Inquirer 

Bao Forum
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Malaysia
‘A unified Asia is a stronger Asia’: PM Anwar | The Star

Singapore 
Regional groupings will help strengthen Asia in a troubled world: PM Lee - Straits Times

China
Li: Asia must avoid chaos, wars if it wants greater development | China Daily

Taiwan-US
US, Taiwan are ‘closer than ever,’ President Tsai says in New York - Reuters for Straits Times

Taiwan-China
Xi sends warm greetings as Ma visits Wuhan - China Daily

Nuclear China
Xi Facing Calls in China to Rethink “No First Use” N-policy - The Japan News

Myanmar Crisis
UN says its concern about the dissolution of the NLD party and wants to see the return of democracy to Myanmar | Eleven Media 

ICC Philippines
‘Democratic’ PH can’t ignore ICC | Inquirer

Tourism Nepal
Tourism board, Everest region lock horns over new trekking rule  - Kathmandu Post

Democracy 
Opinion: A global community stands up for democracy - Kathmandu Post

Farming India 
Low-cost, eco-friendly farming offers hope - The Statesman

Aviation
Air travel recovery reaches full speed - The Star

Trade TPP
TPP Members Seen Opening Door to Britain - Jiji Press for The Japan News

Business Philippines
Philippine companies more upbeat for Q2, rest of 2023 | Inquirer 

Trade S Korea
From $10b to $680b: S. Korea’s glory road to export-driven prosperity - Korea Herald

Economy HK
Fitch: Hong Kong's economy to rebound by 4% in 2023 | China Daily

Garment Bangladesh
Garment export to EU soars 36% | The Daily Star