The European Union-Asean Business Council called on the Phillippines to steer member states into strengthening licensing and oversight frameworks for high risk goods like fuel, wildlife, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and alcohol.
Data from a monitoring group shows the capital Vientiane and other cities hit by high PM2.5 levels as government rolls out dry-season fire controls and aligns measures with Asean guidelines.
Finalising ambitious climate targets, being self-reliant for climate funding and striving to uphold human rights aspects of critical minerals are ways the new Asean chair can steer the region to meet low carbon ambitions, amid geopolitical upheaval.