Xinhua Asia-Pacific News Summary at 0600 GMT, Jan. 30

BANGKOK -- Thai Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak has said that the draft act for the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) will soon be deliberated by the National Legislative Assembly (NLA).

Somkid who heads the Kingdom's economic affair said the NLA will accelerate the draft act so the appeal for the investment opportunities in the EEC will be made to foreign investors, especially in the area of digital businesses. (Thailand-EEC)

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SEOUL -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) cancelled the joint cultural event with South Korea set to be held days before the 2018 Winter Olympics, according to Seoul's unification ministry on Tuesday.

The DRPK sent a notice at about 10:10 p.m. local time on Monday (1310 GMT) via the restored inter-Korean hotline of direct dialogue, saying the inter-Korean joint cultural event, which the two Koreas had agreed to hold on Feb. 4 at Mount Kumgang, will be called off. (S.Korea-DPRK)

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CANBERRA -- Australia's Innovation minister has released a blueprint that would make Australia the healthiest country in the world by 2030.

Michaelia Cash, minister for Jobs and Innovation, released the "Australia 2030: Prosperity through Innovation" report alongside Bill Ferris, chairman of Innovation and Science Australia (ISA), on Tuesday. (Australia-Bluprint)

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CANBERRA -- Chinese investment in Australia's healthcare system has soared past 5.5 billion Australian dollars (4.4 billion U.S. dollars), a report has found.

The report, released by global professional service company KPMG on Tuesday, revealed that China's total investment in the sector has occurred since 2015. (Australia-Chinese Investment) Enditem