Vietnam Prime Minister: When each nation grows, ASEAN becomes stronger

THE HANOI TIMES — Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has called on ASEAN to strengthen unity and resilience to weather global challenges, saying each member’s progress will reinforce the bloc’s collective growth.

Speaking at the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (ABIS) 2025 in Kuala Lumpur on October 26, the Vietnamese leader laid out his vision for a stronger, more connected ASEAN community where independence, self-reliance and cooperation go hand in hand.

Chinh said ASEAN is a united family where the progress of one nation reinforces the collective strength of the bloc. “When ASEAN as a whole grows stronger, every member benefits from shared resilience and prosperity.”

He said every country must pursue balanced development, maintaining independence and self-reliance while contributing to ASEAN’s common growth. Building national economic resilience goes hand in hand with strengthening  ASEAN’s collective resilience .

Vietnam, after nearly four decades of reform, has become one of the region’s bright spots, maintaining stable growth, a modernized economic structure and deep integration into global value chains.

Independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralization remain key pillars of Vietnam’s development policy.

The prime minister stressed that Vietnam is not only an active member but also a connector and contributor within ASEAN, particularly in digital transformation, green transition, circular economy, innovation and climate response.

"Vietnam is ready to share its development experience, enhance business cooperation and strengthen connectivity in infrastructure, trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges." said Chinh.

Quoting the principle that “resources come from thinking, motivation comes from innovation and strength comes from the people,” he said ASEAN nations must stay calm, uphold principles yet remain flexible in navigating challenges, facing the world with realism, no complacency or pessimism.

He said ASEAN’s strength lies in unity in diversity, resilience and its central role in the regional architecture, while promoting inclusive development that puts people at the center as both driver and beneficiary of progress.

Amid global supply chain disruptions, Prime Minister Chinh called on ASEAN members to strengthen intra-bloc connectivity. When external policies affect the region, countries should foster resilience, openness and mutual support to mitigate negative impacts.

He urged ASEAN to enhance policy dialogue, harmonize regulations and turn strong institutions into a source of competitiveness.

He also called for comprehensive infrastructure development, including transport, social, cultural and digital systems, along with investment in high-quality human resources to capitalize on the region’s young and dynamic population.

In addition, effective governance, sound institutions and balanced use of internal and external resources, form the foundation of sustainable development. Domestic resources, nature, culture and history are fundamental, while external ones, namely capital, technology and management, serve as vital catalysts.

"These are the key directions for building a resilient, dynamic and sustainable ASEAN. To contribute to the regional development, Vietnam will continue working with fellow members to strengthen solidarity, growth and prosperity across the region," said Chinh.

As a pivotal country in Southeast Asia, Vietnam is increasingly recognized as a trusted bridge between ASEAN and its partners, as well as a model of dynamic, independent and deeply integrated development.

Through proactive engagement and shared responsibility, Vietnam will keep reinforcing ASEAN’s central role in shaping a peaceful, stable and sustainable Southeast Asia.