Vietnam proposes three strategic directions to enhance ASEAN cooperation

Prime Minister Le Minh Hung proposed three strategic directions to strengthen ASEAN cooperation amid numerous challenges, at a plenary session of the 49th ASEAN Summit and related summits in Manila, the Philippines, on November 15, according to the Vietnam News Agency. 

First, he underlined that ASEAN should help build a peaceful and stable environment for development. The bloc needs to step up dialogue and confidence-building, and promote common principles and norms of conduct to resolve differences. 

The PM called for stronger defence, security and legal cooperation, effective implementation of the ASEAN forum of legal advisers on public international law, and the early development of an ASEAN Coordinating Council’s rules on coordination and information-sharing for emergency crisis response. He thanked member states for supporting Vietnam’s proposed ASEAN Declaration on Enhancing the Role of Law Enforcement Agencies in Emergency Disaster Response and Relief.

Second, ASEAN should foster dynamic, innovative and resilient shared development. The Prime Minister called for priority to be given to the effective implementation of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), attracting high-quality investment and strengthening participation in regional and global supply chains.

Highlighting the urgent need to safeguard economic security, particularly supply chain, energy and food security, he affirmed Vietnam’s readiness to make active contributions to the implementation of the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) and the Manila Energy Initiative (MEI).

He proposed an initiative entitled “Space for Development and Resilience”, aimed at three objectives: sharing and harnessing space data for development; strengthening capacity to ensure a safe and sustainable space environment; and connecting research, training, businesses and investment to develop the regional space economy.

Third, ASEAN should promote its identity to build a cohesive and sustainable Community. The PM called on the bloc to invest in high-quality human resources, particularly digital skills, facilitate labour mobility within the region and ensure social welfare.