Standing Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh addresses the conference. (Photo: VNA) Tokyo (VNA)- Asianeeds to play a greater role in maintaining and fostering a peaceful and stableenvironment conducive to development and prosperity in the region and beyond,on the shared basis of cooperation, understanding, trust and responsibility, StandingDeputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh has said.
Minh made thesuggestion while delivering his remarks at the 27th International Conference onthe Future of Asia (FOA 2022) in Tokyo on May 26.
He said, enteringthe third decade of the 21st century, Asia is witnessing historical profound changes,with both opportunities and challenges that have long-term impacts on futuregenerations.
As the regionand the world are focusing resources on addressing urgent and unprecedentedissues, first and foremost, countries need to make responsible contributions,show mutual respect, and equally cooperate for mutual benefits, hesaid.
In the region,territorial disputes at sea continue to threaten peace and security. Regardingthe East Sea, it is necessary to settle disputes and disagreements via peacefulmeasures and in line with international law, particularly the United Nations Charterand the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), he said.
Minh also suggestedthat more than ever before, Asia needs to pioneer in upholdingmultilateralism, and promoting cooperation in an open, inclusive, fair,sustainable and rules-based manner.
“We need to adopt aglobal approach to resolve increasingly urgent global issues. We need tobolster cooperation and build trust among Asian countries, and enhance our resilienceand responsiveness amid rapid changes. At this juncture, all countries need toput aside differences and stand united to support each other,” he said.
According to theDeputy PM, countries need to work closely together to ensure the necessary foundation forgrowth recovery in all countries and Asia at large, thereby ensuring Asia'srole as a key driver for global development. Nations need to establisha self-reliant economy that is closely associated with international integrationand resilient against external shocks, and coordinate to tackle emerging globalchallenges.
As a region leading in digital technology andtransformation, Asia needs to take the lead in creating and promoting newdrivers for growth, stepup cooperation in science-technology and digital technology; advance green, sustainabledevelopment, and mobilise green finance for development; encourageentrepreneurship, manage risks, and build incubators for innovative andbreakthrough initiatives and ideas; and create favorable conditions in terms ofinstitution, resources, and capacity for small and medium-sized enterprises, hesaid.
Asia needsto enhance integration and connectivity with other regions and key partners inthe world, Minh said, adding that the post-pandemic recovery of Asiawill depend greatly on the ability to maintain trade and investment within thebloc as well as with other regions.
Appreciating Japan’simportant role in Asia’s prosperity, he said, as a leading economy of theworld, a top market and investor of the region, Japan has pioneered initiativesand is a pivotal link in regional and global economic linkages and valuechains.
Japan is among theleading countries in digital transformation, green transformation, supply chainrecovery, and cooperation in trade and investment, Minh added.
According to theDeputy PM, Vietnam and Japan are extensive, trusted strategic partners of oneanother. Over nearly 50 years, both sides have made efforts to achieveoutstanding growth in bilateral ties. Vietnam and Japan also share manyinterests. The two sides enjoy great potential in terms of complementarity andmutual support, and shared interests in maintaining peace, stability, andadvancing cooperation, connectivity, and sustainable development in Asia andthe world.
Vietnam's development policies
Regarding Vietnam'sdevelopment policies and orientations, he said the country targets tobecome a developing country with modern industry by 2025, adeveloping country with high middle income by 2030, and a developedcountry with high income by 2045.
Vietnam'sdevelopment orientation is to develop rapidly and sustainably based on scienceand technology, innovation and digital transformation and build a greeneconomy and circular economy; putting people as the centre, the subject,the target, and the motivation for development; and implement socialadvancement and equality; and build a healthy and civilisedsociety, according to the Deputy PM.
The FOA 2022, heldin both online and in-person forms, saw the attendance of leaders from Asiancountries, including those from Southeast Asian nations such as Lao PresidentThongloun Sisoulith, Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen, MalaysianPrime Minister Ismail Sabri bin Yaakob, Singaporean Prime Minister Lee HsienLoong and Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha.
During the two-dayconference, the political and economic leaders and scholars listen to the viewsof Asian leaders on regional and international issues. Panel discussionsfeature topics such as changing the world from Asia, developing Asian businessthrough cultural exchange, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and Asian security.
The Future of Asiais an international gathering where political, economic, and academic leadersfrom the Asia-Pacific region offer their opinions frankly and freely onregional issues and the role of Asia in the world.
The event, heldevery year since 1995 by Nikkei Inc, was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19pandemic. It is considered one of the most important global conferences inAsia./.
