Three core factors determining identity, value, vitality and prestige of ASEAN
VGP - VGP – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has highlighted three core factors that determine the identity, value, vitality and prestige of ASEAN – an organization of 10 Southeast Asian nations.
Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia, on May 10 - Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac
These factors are maintaining independence and strategic self-reliance, converting itself into a growth epicenter and better adapting to external shocks, said Prime Minister Pham while addressing the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia, on May 10.
He stressed that solidarity and unity are the key task for an independent, self-resilient ASEAN.
Given the risks and uncertainties in the global economy, the Vietnamese Government leader urged the bloc to expand intra market in order to promote recovery and sustainable development.
He took the occasion to call for negotiations to renew the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement, and concertedly and drastically rolling out projects on regional connectivity in terms of institutions, infrastructure and people in order to create quality changes in the investment, business and tourism environment.
He suggested ASEAN beef up cooperation in digital economy, digital government and circular economy in tandem with electricity connectivity and renewable energy development, soon set forth long-term strategies on high-quality personnel training, and approve Mutual Recognition Arrangements in some sectors and consider their application in new ones.
With the spirit of taking people as the growth center, target and momentum in ASEAN Community building, the bloc should work to narrow its development gap, especially in remote areas and sub-regions, he suggested.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh started his participation in the activities within the framework of the 42nd ASEAN Summit from May 9-11 in Indonesia.
The Prime Minister’s participation in the 42nd ASEAN Summit and related meetings aims at making positive, proactive, and responsible contributions to strengthening ASEAN solidarity and effectively responding to challenges.
It also demonstrates Viet Nam's priorities in terms of strategic infrastructure connectivity, digital transformation, green transformation, food security, energy, sub-regional development, and response to climate change, affirming the role, image, and prestige of ASEAN, thereby contributing to the building of the ASEAN Community, and upholding ASEAN's principled stance on international and regional issues./.
