Thailand's central bank governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, said that the longer-term picture of the Chinese economy, which is "hugely important" for Thailand and the region, remains quite positive despite a slowdown driven by short-term

factors. Once disturbances from those short-term factors ease, "there's ample room for improved growth in China," and the Chinese authorities have sufficient policy space to address the downward pressures, he added. In the longer term, there is no doubt that the Chinese economy does face some structural headwinds, but Sethaput thought that China has made tremendous improvements on productivity that can help to address the challenges. Sethaput said that the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and Global Development Initiative are all "excellent examples" of practices that help build connections and integrate economies.

Indonesia's Palm Oil Exports May Soar by 60% in H2

Indonesia's largest palm oil industry organization predicted that the country’s palm oil exportsmay surge more than 60% in the 2nd half of this year from the first six months as the government ramps up exports to reduce bloated inventories. The boom in supplywill probably keep prices of palm oil under pressure. According to Sahat Sinaga, acting chairman of the Indonesia Palm Oil Board, the country is likely to ship 17.3 million tons overseas from July to December, compared with just 10.7 million tons in the first half.

The Philippines to Host Southeast Asian Games in 2033

The Philippines will host the 37th Southeast Asian Games in 2033. This will be the fifth time for the country to host the biennial sports event. The country last hosted the sports event in 2019. At that time, the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee set a budget of 6billion pesos for the event. The Philippines first hosted the Southeast Asian Games in 1981, then in 1991, 2005and 2019.