Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – Vietnam has affirmed its crucial and indispensable role in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), according to Ei Sun OH, a principal adviser at the Pacific Research Centre of Malaysia.
Speaking with the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)'s resident correspondents on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, held in Kuala Lumpur from October 26–28, the expert said Vietnam is now regarded as one of the most dynamic economies in one of the world’s most dynamic regions.
Vietnam’s role in ASEAN is extremely important, as many member states are closely following and highly appreciating its impressive economic achievements, he said.
OH said he was particularly impressed by Vietnam’s target of over 10% GDP growth next year, noting that other ASEAN members are eager to understand the “secret” behind the country’s rapid economic growth. From a developing economy, Vietnam has emerged as a leading destination for foreign investment in the region, serving as a model and valuable example for nations such as Timor-Leste – the newest member of the bloc, he added.
The expert also praised Vietnam’s constructive contributions, which have strengthened and enhanced ASEAN’s credibility through various initiatives. Notably, in negotiations with the US on new tariff arrangements, Vietnam was among the first ASEAN countries to conclude an agreement, thus establishing a “foundational benchmark” that other members could draw upon in their own talks with Washington. This helped ASEAN–US trade negotiations achieve more balanced and favourable outcomes, OH said.
He added that Vietnam is expected to play a more active role in addressing conflicts, sometimes conflicts outside ASEAN, as its position and influence within the bloc continue to grow. Vietnam has worked closely with ASEAN to ease tensions in several regional security issues, including efforts to defuse tensions between Cambodia and Thailand.
Vietnam has also played an important role in matters related to the East Sea, the expert said, adding that ASEAN members want to cooperate closely with Vietnam in the coming years as the region seeks progress in negotiating a Code of Conduct (COC) in the East Sea in a short period of time.
Looking toward the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, which emphasises diversity, inclusivity, and sustainability, OH said Vietnam — as one of the bloc’s fastest-growing members — could play a particularly important role in ensuring that economic gains are broadly shared and benefit people from all walks of life.
Vietnam can serve as a model for equitable growth distribution, he said, adding that the country, along with Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia, is engaged in healthy competition to attract foreign investment through appealing incentive policies. Such competition will ultimately help ASEAN achieve its long-term goals of inclusive and sustainable growth, he stressed./.
