The PM hailed contributions of the ASEAN Secretariat, especially those made by ASEANSecretary-General Le Luong Minh.
Among initiatives and cooperative programmes of the bloc, Vietnam isparticularly interested in implementing an Initiative for ASEAN Integration anda Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025, he stressed.
The group needs to strongly promote its role and strengths, contributing tobuilding a better world, he said, affirming that Vietnam will continue to be aresponsible member in realising ASEAN’s common goals as well as in solving challengesin the development process of the group.
ASEAN and Vietnam should work closely in seeking ways to lift the tradeturnover between the two sides, he stressed.
The PM affirmed that with many free trade agreements have been signed and someare under negotiations, Vietnam is willing to serve as a bridge for ASEAN, animportant market in the region and the world.
Healso underlined the importance of the intra-bloc connectivity and expressed hishope that connection among the ASEAN member nations will be maintained andenhanced in order to overcome challenges based on the principle of consensus.
The PM hailed the ERIA’s scientific research outcomes contribute to promoting ASEAN’sdevelopment in the context of regional and global integration.
Le Luong Minh said 2017 is important for ASEAN and Vietnam as the 50th founding anniversary of ASEAN and 22 years since Vietnam officially joined thebloc will be celebrated.
He praised Vietnam’s efforts in integratingglobally, expanding markets, and promoting investment links andpeople-to-people exchanges.
Vietnam has made active and crucial contributions to building the ASEANCommunity, as well as stepping up cooperation between ASEAN and big economiesworldwide, he said.
Minh also pointed out difficulties and challenges facing the bloc, saying thatthe talk themed “ASEAN’s 50 years: ASEAN Economic Community and opportunitiesfor Vietnamese business circle” aims to seek solutions to these.
Meanwhile,ERIA President Hidetoshi Nishimura pledged to continue supporting Vietnam inthe process of regional and international integration, towards upholding Vietnam’srole and position in the ASEAN Community.-VNA
VNA