Vietnam urges stronger ASEAN-India connectivity

New Delhi (VNA) – Strengthened economic and political connectivity will bring sustainable economic successes to ASEAN and India, a Vietnamese representative has said.

Vice Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung delivered a speech at the Ministerial Session of the ongoing eighth Delhi Dialogue in New Delhi, India on February 18 to help enhance cooperation between India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

He recommended four key points for the two sides to work together for further integration of ASEAN countries and India in regional value chains and production networks.

ASEAN and India should adopt specific measures that facilitate bilateral trade and investment and identify areas of comparative advantages, he said.

The two sides should strengthen economic linkages, focusing on regional connectivity, particularly in infrastructure, trade promotion and people-to people exchange.

And as strategic partners, they should cement ties in politics and security to ensure peace and stability in the region, he underscored.

In her opening remarks earlier at the session, Indian Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj said 2015 has witnessed several important developments in the ASEAN-India relationship.

This dialogue provides policy makers, business executives and academics from both sides a multi-dimensional platform to tackle today’s challenges, such as terrorism and global economic slowdown, the minister noted. “It gives an opportunity to intensify and broaden our constructive engagement to mutual benefit.”

Swaraj hailed ASEAN’s achievements over the last five years and its increased importance in Asia-Pacific. “The establishment of the ASEAN Community last December is a commendable leap forward”, she added.

The ASEAN Community has opened up new opportunities for shared socio-economic development and India hoped to be part of this growth, she said.

Peace and stability are essential for progress and development, the official noted, highlighting the significance of ensuring maritime security.

The oceans and seas, including the East Sea, are pathways to mutual prosperity and security, thus any maritime disputes need to be resolved peacefully, without threat or the use of force.

The Vietnamese Vice Foreign Minister met with his Indian counterpart Swaraj after the session to discuss bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest.

Earlier the same day, he had a meeting with Anil Wadhwa, Indian Secretary (East).-VNA