Sri Lanka Moves Forward on RCEP Membership Process

Himasha Dissanayake, JadeTimes Staff

H. Dissanayake is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Economy

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Source: Thai PBS World

Sri Lanka’s cabinet of ministers has approved steps to advance the nation’s bid to join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), following a formal questionnaire request from the trade grouping. According to the post-cabinet statement, member countries are required to gradually remove tariffs on 85% to 90% of goods under the agreement, enabling deeper market access and improved trade competitiveness.

Officials say that joining RCEP would support the country’s export diversification goals and boost integration into regional and global supply chains. The pact, initially comprising ASEAN nations and other regional economies, came into force on January 1, 2022, and was opened to new members in July 2023. Sri Lanka submitted its letter of intent to join on June 28, 2023.

In October 2024, an initial questionnaire was issued to several prospective member states, including Sri Lanka. The document seeks detailed data to assess compliance with existing trade provisions and the applicant’s readiness to offer “commercially meaningful access” aligned with the partnership’s objectives. The questionnaire must be completed and submitted before January 1, 2026.

The cabinet has now formally approved the proposal by the Minister of Trade, Commerce, and Food Protection to proceed with the application process and complete the required documentation, marking a critical step toward potential accession to one of the world’s largest free trade agreements.

Harnessing 5G–AI Convergence: A Growth Catalyst Amid Infrastructure Pressure

Himasha Dissanayake, JadeTimes Staff

H. Dissanayake is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology

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Source: Chi Cuong

Vietnam is accelerating its journey toward a digitally powered future, as the convergence of 5G-AI unlocks new growth opportunities across key sectors. However, experts warn that the nation’s ambitions are being challenged by mounting infrastructure strain, shortages of high-skilled talent, and the need for clearer regulatory frameworks. These concerns took centre stage during the “Empowering Digital Economy Growth in the New Era” conference organised by VIR on November 25 in Hanoi.

Vo Xuan Hoai, deputy director at the National Innovation Centre (NIC), underscored the transformative potential of combining 5G with AI. He highlighted that next-generation connectivity reduces latency and accelerates real-time computation, supporting advancements in remote healthcare, smart grids, logistics, and scalable digital services. According to Hoai, Vietnam must continue investing in network upgrades, as the rapid evolution of AI will inevitably increase demand for more powerful and responsive digital infrastructure.

The talent gap presents an equally pressing challenge. Hoai revealed that global competition for AI and 5G expertise remains fierce, even as Vietnam gains recognition as a promising innovation hub — exemplified by NVIDIA’s decision to establish an R&D centre in the country. Despite rising interest, the need for high-calibre professionals in AI-driven research, healthcare technology, and emerging digital industries continues to outpace supply.

Policy development is the third crucial bottleneck. Hoai emphasized the necessity of regulatory sandboxes that allow emerging technologies to be tested, scaled, and commercialized safely and rapidly. Echoing this, FPT Digital’s director of digital transformation, Vuong Quan Ngoc, linked Vietnam’s $200 billion digital economy target by 2030 directly to infrastructure expansion and digital trust. He stressed that sustainable digital growth requires confidence shared by government, businesses, and citizens.

The widening skills gap in advanced technology fields was also highlighted by Dr. Dong Manh Cuong of British University Vietnam. He noted that Vietnam’s shortage lies not in the number of tech workers, but in specialists capable of merging technical knowledge with business, legal, and safety perspectives to convert innovation into concrete economic value.

Providing a comparative view, Seck Yee Chung of the Singapore Chamber of Commerce Vietnam pointed out that Vietnam stands between two powerful models — Singapore’s flexible yet strict regulatory approach and China’s technology-driven data governance. With natural resources, youthful demographics, and growing innovation momentum, he argued, Vietnam has the potential not just to keep pace, but to lead in strategic sectors including smart agriculture, climate resilience, and the green economy.

With coordinated investment in infrastructure, human capital, and effective regulatory balance, industry leaders agree that Vietnam is well-positioned to harness the full power of 5G–AI convergence, unlocking long-term digital competitiveness and economic growth.

Aitken Spence Travels Strengthens Leopard Conservation Efforts With Public Awareness Initiative

Himasha Dissanayake, JadeTimes Staff

H. Dissanayake is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Travel & Tourism

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Source: National Zoo & Aquarium

Aitken Spence Travels (Pvt) Ltd, Sri Lanka’s foremost Destination Management Company (DMC), has reinforced its commitment to sustainable tourism and wildlife protection through a major contribution to leopard conservation efforts. The company recently donated 22 specially designed pull-up banners to the Department of Wildlife Conservation to raise awareness about the island’s endangered apex predator, the Sri Lankan Leopard (Panthera pardus kotiya).

The banners, created to educate both local communities and tourists, support the identification of wild cats and highlight the urgent need to protect these iconic animals. This initiative marks a significant milestone under “Green Paws,” a collaborative conservation project between Aitken Spence Travels and the Department of Wildlife Conservation, and aligns with the company’s broader sustainability vision, “Pure Path,” which integrates responsible practices into its operations.

Focusing on reducing human-leopard conflict—especially in the Central Highlands—the campaign uses visually engaging educational material targeted for high-interaction public areas. These strategic awareness tools are designed to promote responsible behaviour, enhance visitor safety, and encourage a deeper appreciation of the leopard, a keystone species vital to Sri Lanka’s biodiversity.

Source: AST

Aitken Spence Travels has long been recognised for its leadership in sustainable tourism, evidenced by its prestigious Travelife certification and industry awards. Its efforts extend beyond wildlife protection to community empowerment, ensuring that tourism’s economic benefits support the preservation of Sri Lanka’s cultural and natural heritage.

The donation of the 22 awareness banners is a reminder that responsible tourism depends on collective action. By equipping stakeholders with knowledge to protect the vulnerable leopard population, Aitken Spence Travels continues to play a proactive and impactful role as both a business leader and an environmental steward dedicated to safeguarding Sri Lanka’s natural wonders for future generations.