AEC Feed

Protocol to implement the seventh package of commitments on financial services will be among the top documents at the upcoming Asean Finance Ministers and Central Governors’ Meeting (AFMGM) to be held in Vientiane on Sunday and Monday.
Laotian Finance Minister Dr Lien Thikeo revealed the agenda of the 20th Asean Finance Ministers Meeting (AFMM) and second AFMGM to media representatives on Tuesday.
He said the document, which included insurance and banking, would be signed in May in Frankfurt, Germany.
According to Krisada Chinavicharana, director-general of the Thai Fiscal Policy Office and acting Finance Ministry spokesman, the AFMM will cover issues relating to the Asean Economic Community (AEC) pertaining to financial integration. These include capital-market development, financial-services account liberalisation, capital-account liberalisation, and a payment and settlement system. – Vientiane Times, The Nation

Khon Kaen to host
World Tourism Day
Khon Kaen province will be the host of this year’s World Tourism Day events from September 26-28, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports has announced.
Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha will mark World Tourism Day itself, September 27, at a ceremony in Bangkok.
This year’s theme is “Tourism for All, Promoting Universal Accessibility”.

Region’s air transport
officials meet
Air-transport officials from Asean member states are gathering in Vientiane to discuss air-transport liberalisation and cooperation in the region.
The 33rd Asean Air Transport Working Group Meeting (ATWG) and related meetings are chaired by Vanhpheng Chanthaphon, director-general of the Laotian Ministry of Public Works and Transport’s Civil Aviation Department.
Other participants came from the Asean Secretariat, Asean airlines and dialogue partners. – Vientiane Times

Switzerland expected to boost investment in Indonesia

Indonesia and Switzerland have expressed their commitment to improved bilateral ties, particularly on investment, as Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo on Wednesday welcomed Swiss Vice President Doris Leuthard at the State Palace in Central Jakarta.
Citing 2015 data, which show a 102-per-cent increase in trade volumes compared with the previous year, with Indonesia enjoying a surplus, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi said the two countries were confident about two-way trade.
“We also agree to continue efforts to increase investment, particularly Swiss investment in Indonesia,” said Retno, who accompanied Jokowi to the courtesy meeting at the palace.
At present, there are about 150 Swiss companies in Indonesia, including food and beverage giant Nestle, which operates four factories in the country. – The Jakarta Post