Green growth and poverty reduction for sustainable development are the main focus of the fifth ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) Caucus which is underway in Da Lat city, the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong.

The two-day meeting, which commenced on May 12, also considers legal harmonisation in the two fields and reviews the implementation of resolutions adopted at the 33 rd AIPA General Assembly.

More than 60 delegates are attending the event, including parliamentarians from nine AIPA member countries and representatives of the AIPA Secretariat, the ASEAN Secretariat and international organisations.

ASEAN Secretary General Le Luong Minh stressed ASEAN’s desire to improve the living standards of 600 million people in the region while maintaining the eco-system and natural environment, which, he said, requires cooperation of all concerned sides.

Minh expressed his hope that the meeting will help promote legal initiatives and relevant policies as well as the exchange of experiences and best outcomes in green growth and poverty reduction.

AIPA Caucus is held in rotation among AIPA member countries with the aim to create a regular forum for its member countries, special observers as well as between AIPA and ASEAN.

AIPA Caucus is tasked with assisting the Executive Committee in monitoring the implementation of AIPA Resolutions in member countries while providing a platform for parliamentarians to discuss pressing issues of regional concern.

Later the same day, Vice Chairwoman of Vietnam’s National Assembly Tong Thi Phong received heads of delegations to the event.-VNA