Viet Nam’s 30-year journey in ASEAN highlighted

Ambassador To Thi Ngoc Huong, head of the Permanent Mission of Viet Nam to ASEAN, made the above statement in a recent interview on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Viet Nam's admission to ASEAN (July 28, 1995–2025).

Currently, ASEAN is Viet Nam's fourth largest export partner and third largest import partner. Trade turnover between Viet Nam and the bloc has increased nearly 25 times, from US$3.26 billion in 1995 to US$83.6 billion in 2024.

The network of free trade agreements (FTAs) with partners, along with region-wide agreements such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), has opened up opportunities for the country to access new markets, boost exports, and attract investment.

Vietnamese people benefit directly from regional cooperation programs across the pillars of the ASEAN Community, from prevention of transnational crime, maritime cooperation, sustainable development, environmental protection, climate change response, and disaster risk reduction, to education, labor, entrepreneurship, healthcare, green transition, digital transformation, and smart agriculture.

Through ASEAN's cooperation frameworks and the rotating responsibilities that Viet Nam undertakes within the bloc, the country has diversified and deepened its relations with partners, including major powers.

"We need to effectively leverage the opportunities presented by ASEAN's dynamic economic growth, with the region projected to become the world's fourth-largest economic center by 2030", she emphasized.

The diplomat highlighted the significance of an open economic space created by ASEAN through intra-regional trade and investment agreements, as well as FTAs with external partners, including the RCEP, whose member countries have a combined GDP of over US$26 trillion, accounting for about 30 percent of global GDP and roughly 30 percent of the world's population.

In addition, it is essential to make the most of opportunities arising from emerging trends in green transition, digital transformation, technological development, innovation, and sustainable infrastructure development.

By positioning Viet Nam within the region's sustainable supply chains, the nation can accelerate the process of international integration and support the realization of its key development goals, told To.

Viet Nam commits to fulfilling important roles within ASEAN

ASEAN is entering a new phase of development with the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, aiming for a resilient, innovative, dynamic, and people-centered ASEAN.

Building on 30 years of active participation and contributions to ASEAN, Viet Nam remains committed to fulfilling its important rotating roles within the bloc with a strong sense of responsibility.

Firstly, Viet Nam is currently serving as the Chair of the ASEAN Integration Initiative (IAI) Task Force, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the IAI. As the Chair, Viet Nam plays a key guiding role in ensuring that the formulation and implementation of the IAI Work Plan V (2026–2030) which is closely aligned with the core objectives of the Community Vision 2045.

Secondly, Viet Nam is currently serving as coordinator of ASEAN–New Zealand relations for the 2024–2027 term.

The nation is working closely with other ASEAN member states and New Zealand to prepare for the Commemorative Summit marking the 50th anniversary of their partnership, which will take place on the occasion of the 47th ASEAN Summit.

Thirdly, as coordinator of ASEAN–United Kingdom (UK) relations for the 2026–2030 term, Viet Nam is actively working with the UK to advance the full implementation of the ASEAN–UK Plan of Action for the 2022–2026 period.

ASEAN members consist of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam./.