The UK and Singapore have signed a free trade agreement, delivering a modicum of positive news for Boris Johnson’s government as it remains locked in negotiations with the EU over its future relationship with the bloc.

On 9 December, the European Union for the first time attended the “Guests of the Chair Programme” of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Defence Ministers Meeting Plus. Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, attended virtually the event, which was hosted by Vietnam in Hanoi.

ASEAN defence ministers on Wednesday (Dec 9) pledged to work together to support public health efforts, and to strengthen defence cooperation with partners like China and the United States amid the ongoing pandemic.

Despite disruptions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, four in five fintech firms in ASEAN will push ahead with their expansion plans in the next two years, this is according to a report by UOB, PwC and the Singapore Fintech Association.

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab held a virtual meeting with Ambassadors and High Commissioners to the UK from the 10 ASEAN member states on December 7.

The growth of ASEAN’s megacities parallels the growth of its populations, creating a concentration of economic activities and increased connectivity, leading to more development and therefore more people.

Indian Minister of State for External Affairs V.Muraleedharan affirmed India’s commitment to the ASEAN integration and connectivity agenda at the 6th India-CLMV Business Conclave held online on December 3-4.