Sydney (VNA) – Over the past 30 years, Vietnam has made substantial and diverse contributions to ASEAN, notably in the areas of politics-security, economy, and socio-cultural development, affirmed Tran Ba Phuc, Chairman of the Vietnamese Business Association in Australia.
Speaking with the Vietnam News Agency ahead of the 30th anniversary of Vietnam’s ASEAN membership (July 28, 1995 – 2025), Phuc, who is also Vice Chairman of the Overseas Vietnamese Business Association, emphasised Vietnam’s active role in strengthening intra-regional solidarity and promoting peace, order, and stability in the region.
He noted that Vietnam has become a key link in ASEAN’s supply chains and has championed major trade pacts such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
In socio-cultural cooperation, Vietnam has regularly joined cultural exchange programmes and taken proactive steps to promote sustainability and environmental protection.
According to Phuc, ASEAN membership has helped Vietnam expand its export markets and attract investment from regional partners. The country has utilised the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) framework to push institutional reforms, boost competitiveness, and deepen regional integration. It has also played an important role in major connectivity initiatives like the East–West Economic Corridor and North–South Corriodor, contributing to ASEAN’s economic progress.
Vietnam’s growing role within ASEAN has positioned it as a bridge between member states and external partners. He highlighted that Vietnam has frequently put forward initiatives and fulfilled its chairmanship in 2020 with success, demonstrating an independent foreign policy while upholding ASEAN’s core values of consensus and unity.
He underlined Vietnam’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the East Sea in accordance with international law, as well as its leadership in emerging areas such as digital transformation and sustainable development.
Looking ahead, Phuc expressed confidence that by 2045, Vietnam will become a developed nation with a leading economic and political position within ASEAN, serving as a model for sustainable development, innovation, and digital transformation.
Vietnam not only plays a vital unifying role among ASEAN members but also serves as a key connector to global partners, contributing actively to building a strong, united ASEAN Community for peace, stability and prosperity, he noted./.
