At the 52nd meeting of ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM-52) (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anhtalked to the press about the ASEAN’s post-pandemic economic recovery plan onthe sidelines of the 52nd meeting of ASEAN Economic Ministers(AEM-52).
The minister highlighted that 2020 is a very special year when theimpacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and epidemic preventive have greatly affectedeconomic development, requiring the addition of new priorities to the workingagenda of the Chair of ASEAN.
As Chair of ASEAN in 2020, Vietnam has proactively coordinated with otherASEAN members and the ASEAN Secretariat to map out many new contents forhigh-level conferences and cooperation mechanisms between ASEAN and ASEAN+3 partners– Japan, China, the Republic of Korea, as well as other partners, so as toensure the goals and requirements in fighting the pandemic while facilitatingeconomic development of the bloc.
The goal in 2020 is to combine long-term goals, including the ASEAN EconomicCommunity Blueprint 2025, with the 13 important initiatives proposed by Vietnamand already approved within ASEAN cooperative framework.
The minister stressed that it is necessary to realize short-term goalsto help address immediate difficulties of the ASEAN economy.
According to him, amongthe 13 initiatives proposed by Vietnam, two have been completed by the time theAEM-52 was held, which are the building ofan ASEAN digital integration index, and connectivity of ASEAN innovationcentres.
Other initiatives and priorities are being discussed and implemented inline with goals set for 2020, Anh said.
He added that Vietnam is also actively working with other ASEAN membersand partners to step up the settlement of remaining issues in negotiations ofthe Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which is one of prioritieson economic cooperation during Vietnam’s Year of ASEAN Chairmanship.
Minister Anh stated that the completion of economic initiatives andpriorities will contribute to strengthening ASEAN’s internal strength and enhancingthe role of the ASEAN Economic Community, while helping ASEAN proactively respondto non-conventional challenges in the future./.
VNA
