Vietnamese PM puts forth priorities to bolster cooperation in ASEM

Countries would not be able to solve global challenges alone and therefore, should cooperate with each other to ensure sustainable development and eventually shared prosperity.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the event. Photos: Nhat Bac

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stressed the view during the 13th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), themed "Multilateral Cooperation for a Resilient, Sustainable, and Rules-based Future for ASEM” hosted by Cambodia from November 25-26 under the virtual format.

Pointing out risks such as the Covid-19 pandemic, climate change, aging population, depleted natural resources, and cyber security threats, the Vietnamese prime minister called for ASEM members to put the people at the center and as motivation for growth, along with promoting multilateralism.

Another key priority pointed out by Chinh is to distribute fairly Covid-19 drugs and vaccines. On this occasion, Chinh thanked developed countries in Europe and Asia for supporting others in the Covid-19 response.

Chinh also noted that developing countries are in need of support to enhance their capabilities to address global challenges, including mechanisms to mobilize financial resources for the transfer of green and modern technologies.

The current crisis has further emphasized the significance to promote digitalization, for which the international community should continue to aid developing countries in training human resources to grasp opportunities from the digital transformation and promote public-private partnership for growth.

“In this process, Vietnam is set to hold the ASEM roundtable on digital economy by 2022,” Chinh added.

Overview of the event.

At the conference, Chinh shared Vietnam’s priorities in navigating Covid-19 impacts for socio-economic recovery, which would be realized by flexible and safe adaptation to the pandemic situation.

“Vietnam is committed to contributing to the global efforts in addressing non-traditional security issues, especially climate change,” Chinh said, noting support from ASEM countries is essential for Vietnam to overcome such challenges.

Chinh called for ASEM members to further open markets to facilitate trade and boost investment to create jobs, improve people’s livelihoods and create a better world.

As the world is facing growing uncertainties, it is imperative for countries to boost multilateral cooperation based on the rule of law, cooperation, and shared responsibilities.

“The core solution would be dialogue, respect, sincerity, and build strategic trust among countries,” he said.

According to Chinh, Vietnam and ASEAN countries aim to maintain peace, stability, and freedom of navigation on the East Sea.

This year’s event coincided with the 25th anniversary of the ASEM (1996-2021), for which leaders and representatives of 53 members highlighted the achievements of this framework for over two decades while reaffirming their commitments to promote cooperation and linkage between Asia-Europe countries for peace, stability, sustainable and inclusive development.

ASEM members represent around 60% of the world's population, 65% of the global GDP and almost 55% of the world's trade, 75% of global tourism, and the meeting marked the biggest historical event ever to be held in Cambodia’s contemporary history.

Wrapping up the meeting, leaders of ASEM approved the Chairman’s Statement of the 13th ASEM Summit, the Phnom Penh Statement on the Post-Covid-19 Socio-Economic Recovery, and the Way Forward on ASEM Connectivity. The 14th ASEM Summit is scheduled to be held in Europe in 2023.