Vietnam is actively preparing for the inception of the ASEAN Community slated for the year’s end and maximising its opportunities for more effective cooperation.
ASEAN member states have so far achieved about 93 percent of the targets set out in a roadmap to build the community from 2009 to 2015, as reported at a meeting in Hanoi on July 21.
The function was held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with the engagement of representatives from over 20 ministries and sectors involved in ASEAN cooperation.
Participants said Vietnam and other ASEAN member nations are working to realise remaining tasks to ensure the establishment of the ASEAN Community on schedule.
Vietnam has earnestly implemented ASEAN commitments and made active contributions to the bloc’s cooperation across fields.
The country has proactively promoted the solidarity and central role of ASEAN in resolving major challenges in the region and enhanced ASEAN relations with foreign partners.
Local ministries and sectors have launched a number of programmes such as film festivals on ASEAN, the 20 th anniversary of Vietnam’s participation in ASEAN and the ASEAN Week.
Participants agreed on key future tasks such as implementing programmes and plans to build the ASEAN Community, intensifying coordination and information exchanges, disseminating the benefits of the ASEAN Community and improving Vietnam’s cooperation efficiency in the bloc.-VNA
ASEAN’s greater influence affirmed
A Malaysian senior official asserted the centre role played by ASEAN and its greater influence during a banquet for the bloc’s foreign and economic ministers in Kuala Lumpur, on April 25.