Chilean Foreign Minister Roberto Ampuero (Source: Chile's Ministry of Foreign Affairs) Hanoi (VNA) – Chilean Foreign Minister Roberto Ampuero has affirmed that Chile pays particular attention to participating in the World Economic Forum on ASEAN (WEF ASEAN) as it is a leading mechanism in supporting the application of technology and creating benefit for citizens.
By proposing the forum’s theme – “ASEAN 4.0: Entrepreneurship and the Fourth Industrial Revolution” – Vietnam, the host of the event, has touched upon timely solutions to deal with emerging challenges in the digital economic era, he told the Vietnam News Agency on the sidelines of the event.
He held that amidst the strong development of technology, different countries with different experiences and growth levels will see different benefits and challenges.
The WEF ASEAN should offer a forecast on some of the challenges brought about by Industry 4.0, thus helping countries to prepare for it and exchange knowledge and experience for their continued stable, sustainable, and inclusive growth, he said.
He also stressed the need for the forum to create favourable conditions to assist economies with timely responding to rapid and in-depth changes to the fourth Industrial Revolution.
Regarding relations with the ASEAN, the Chilean FM showed his hope to strengthen cooperation with Southeast Asian countries and join the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), as well as become a development and dialogue partner of ASEAN.
He revealed that Chilean President Sebastian Pinera received an invitation to attend the ASEAN Summit in this November in Singapore.
He underlined that Chile attaches much importance to fostering ties with the ASEAN, expressing his belief that Chile has abundant potential for the growth of the grouping.
With the signing of 16 free trade agreements with Asia-Pacific partners, Chile has become one of the most open countries in the world enjoying various economic, trade, and financial deals with the region and ASEAN member countries in particular, he said.
He added that Chile is willing to share its experience with ASEAN in poverty reduction and international integration through the FTAs.
Noting that Chile and Vietnam have enjoyed a sound traditional friendship since 1971, he recalled the historical visit in 1969 by Speaker of Chile’s Senate Salvador Allende who later became the President of Chile from 1970-1973. He was also the last foreign guest to meet late President Ho Chi Minh.
He said that the two countries should maintain their exchange of delegations, while reforming and completing reached agreements.
He lauded the formation of the Chile-Vietnam Chamber of Commerce, expressing his hope that it will help connect businesses of both sides and opening new cooperation opportunities.
Ampuero highlighted that the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was signed in March in Chile, will also contribute to promoting bilateral trade, as well as the economic integration in each country.
During his stay in Vietnam, he is scheduled to have a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh to discuss measures to bolster bilateral ties.–VNA
VNA
