Indonesia strengthens trade ties with Singapore and Malaysia

On March 15, Deputy Minister of Trade Dyah Roro Esti held bilateral talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Trade Minister Gan Kim Yong of Singapore and Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Sim Tze Tzin of Malaysia to strengthen regional trade and investment cooperation.

Southeast Asia divided in reaction to the Middle East crisis

The US-Israel strikes on Iran, which killed the latter’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his influential aides on February 28, prompted different reactions across Southeast Asia. While geographically distant, Southeast Asian governments stated concerns, expressed with cautious language, economic anxiety, and, in some countries, blunt condemnation.

Southeast Asian states respond to Middle East crisis-driven fuel pressures

Following rising tension between US-Israel and Iran that started on February 28, fuel prices and demand in Southeast Asia have surged. One major factor was the blockade of Hormuz Strait which disrupted the global energy supply-chain through which 13 million barrels of oil per day are transported. There are rising concerns over liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and gasoline rarity.

To anticipate further consequences, some Southeast Asian governments have introduced different measures. Myanmar restricts the use of personal cars as gasoline and diesel are two sources of energy in the country.

Singapore to raise retirement and re-employment ages

On March 3, Singapore announced that it will raise its retirement age to 64 and re-employment age to 69 from 1 July, said Manpower Minister Tan See Leng, keeping the country on track to reach 65 and 70 respectively by 2030. The move aims to support older workers while helping employers retain experienced staff.