Asia Cooperation Dialogue summit fosters regional links

Bangkok (VNA) – Connectivity is key to promoting cooperation among Asian nations, and the countries needs to further foster links to deal with common challenges, said Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam.

Addressing the 2nd Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Summit, which opened in Thailand on October 10, the Vietnamese official suggested multi-dimension and multi-sector connections, especially in transport, logistics, investment and trade, tourism and cultural exchange.

He particularly stressed the significance of ACD cooperation, and efforts made by host Thailand and other member nations in seeking measures to make intra-group cooperation more effective and practical.

Asia’s dynamic development becomes a momentum for world economic growth, importantly contributing to addressing global common issues, he noted.

In his opening speech, Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha believed that the 2nd ACD Summit will lay a foundation for sustainable development cooperation in Asia in the future.

Themed “One Asia, Diverse Strength”, the summit reflected determination of the ACD member nations to promote development in Asia through enhancing friendship and creativity, united efforts and mutual trust, he said.

According to the Thai PM, Asia maintained an average growth of 5 percent – the highest level in the world, presenting the region’s role as a main driving force for promoting the global economy.

To realise the ACD vision 2030, it is necessary to focus on key cooperation pillars in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, he noted.

The ACD should serves as a bridge linking sub-regions in the region, towards fully tapping resources and strengths, he stressed, adding that Thailand is willing to be a connector in the process.

At the summit, leaders from the ACD member countries clarified contents of six key pillars of cooperation, including connection, science, technology and renovation, education and human resources development, relationship between food security, energy and water, culture and tourism, and promotion of approaches to sustainable and comprehensive growth.

They also participated in a dialogue with representatives from private economic sectors, heard a report presented by ACD General Secretary Bundit Limschoon, and approved the ACD vision for Asia Cooperation 2030, the BangKok Declaration and the ACD Statement on growth recovery through connecting partnership.

The Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) was inaugurated in June 2002 in Cha-Am, Thailand, where 18 Asian Foreign Ministers met together for the first time. It is a continent-wide forum, aiming to consolidate Asian strengths to build an Asia of peace, development and prosperity.-VNA