Vietnam actively contributes to ASEAN's continued prominence.

DNHN - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation returned to Hanoi early on September 8, concluding their business trip to Jakarta, Indonesia to attend the 43rd ASEAN Summit and related summits from September 4 to September 7.

With the theme "ASEAN Stature: The Epicentre of Growth", the 43rd ASEAN Summit and related summits are the region's largest annual summit activities, attracting the participation of leaders of ASEAN member countries, Timor Leste as observers, dialogue partner countries, two guest countries, Bangladesh and the Cook Islands, and nine international organisations.

The conferences are taking place in the context of the world and regional situation since the start of 2023, which has continued to be characterised by multidimensional, rapid, complex, and unpredictable movements and fluctuations. There are still many risks, growth is not sustainable, trade is recovering slowly, and geopolitical instability is becoming more complex.

ASEAN faces both challenges and opportunities, but with the combined efforts and solidarity of member nations and the leadership of Indonesia's chairmanship, the ASEAN Community essentially maintains its solidarity and continues to grow. Stable and steady development with growing "stature", affirming its role as the epicentre of growth, continuing to be a bright spot in economic growth, and the centre of free trade agreement networks. (FTA), as well as affirming its central role in the region, being the centre of significant regional cooperation mechanisms such as ASEAN+1, ASEAN+3, East Asia Summit (EAS)..., towards the Association's development strategy until 2045.

On the Vietnamese side, this is an important diplomatic activity, part of a series of very exciting foreign affairs events that occur when Party and State leaders travel to and work in a variety of countries, international organisations, and other nations. Important partner nation leaders visit and conduct business in Vietnam.

In the context of the Conference, the Prime Minister participated in approximately 40 activities, such as multilateral conferences, bilateral contacts with heads of state and international organisations, and meetings and receptions with business leaders.

Strong message regarding an ASEAN of stature, fortitude, and vitality

The 43rd ASEAN Summit and related conferences were a resounding success, yielding a bountiful harvest of results, with nearly 20 activities and about 90 documents approved and recorded in a rush.

In the spirit of the theme "ASEAN Stature: The Epicentre of Growth," the leaders of ASEAN countries and their partners discussed numerous strategic contents that are being set for ASEAN and the region, and they agreed on directions to strengthen and enhance cooperation, as well as to prepare for future developments and breakthroughs. According to evaluations, this Conference produced three exceptional outcomes:

First, the status of ASEAN is unambiguously and consistently confirmed. ASEAN's current stature is the result of 56 years of unrelenting work based on the principles of cooperation, trust, and solidarity. In the current tumultuous environment, these values continue to be promoted, assisting ASEAN in overcoming obstacles and challenges and reaffirming its role and reputation in the region and the global community.

ASEAN's stature is also reflected in its ability to attract the participation of major countries and a large number of partners in regional cooperation for the common good of peace, stability, and development. The presence of nearly twenty partners at these conferences, in addition to numerous proposals for cooperation and establishing and upgrading relations (with Japan, Canada, IORA, and PIF), demonstrates the partners' dedication and regard. cooperation among ASEAN nations.

Second, the realisation of ASEAN is the centre of growth. This is not only an aspiration but also a mission of ASEAN to ensure a better and more effective environment for cooperation and development for the 680 million people in the region.

To accomplish this objective, ASEAN has modified its cooperation strategies both within the bloc and with its partners. This represents a change in perception, approach, and action. All nations, including ASEAN, are urgently required to innovate, be creative, and be proactive in response to the era's major trends and the multidimensional repercussions of complex developments in the region and the world. Be proactive and adapt quickly to all opportunities and difficulties.

Agreements and initiatives such as the Building the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement, the Carbon Neutral Strategy, the Development of the Electric Vehicle Ecosystem, and the Blue Ocean Economic Framework... are proactive and innovative steps taken by ASEAN and its partners to shape and lead new regional cooperation trends.

Third, initiate preparatory measures for the subsequent phase of ASEAN's development. The Summit reviewed and acknowledged the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, which establishes the ASEAN's strategic framework for the next two decades. With orientations spanning the political-security, economic, and socio-cultural pillars, Vision 2045 provides optimism for ASEAN's transformation towards a "resilient, creative, dynamic, and people-centred" ASEAN.

On this occasion, Leaders adopted several important documents, including the Declaration on inclusive development for people with disabilities, family development and gender equality, enhancing food security, early childhood care and education, and the Framework on the ASEAN Public Health Emergency Coordination System..., contributing to the consolidation of efforts to build a people-oriented and people-centred Community.

Contribute actively to maintaining ASEAN's stature and its position as the growth epicentre.

The Vietnamese delegation, led by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, contributed significantly to the success of the Conference, which was greatly valued by international allies. The Prime Minister delivered important speeches at all conferences, conveying to ASEAN and its partners numerous messages, directions, and practical initiatives to consolidate the process of constructing the Community and to strengthen relations with ASEAN.

Regarding the position, role, and significance of ASEAN in the new context, the Prime Minister stated that ASEAN faces the mission of establishing itself "as a pole in a multipolar world" as the centre of cooperation and structure in the region and that it is fully capable of carrying out this mission.

Specifically, ASEAN has an open economic space; Many new initiatives are also being strongly promoted so that ASEAN can quickly seize opportunities from new development trends; ASEAN is independent and self-reliant, a bright spot in economic growth, increased intra-regional trade and investment, and an effective response to challenges in energy security and food security; resolutely overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic... Through its relations and cooperation with external partners, ASEAN plays a crucial role in regional cooperation mechanisms.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasised the need to increase ASEAN's self-reliance by promoting economic connectivity, expanding the intraregional market, and facilitating trade flows to maintain ASEAN's stature and position as the epicentre of growth. Commerce and investments. To enhance the region's resilience to external impacts and challenges, ASEAN nations must eliminate bottlenecks and barriers in their policies and institutions and maintain stable intra-bloc supply chains. In addition, strengthens ASEAN's position as the hub of the network of free trade agreements by reviewing, upgrading, and negotiating new FTAs between ASEAN and its partners to generate momentum for development. innovative for the regional economy.

The Prime Minister stated unequivocally that ASEAN must determine that maintaining peace, security, and stability in the region is its responsibility and duty. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc stated that, due to the spiral of intense strategic competition between major countries, the trend of fragmentation and grouping of forces is becoming increasingly evident, forcing countries to make extremely difficult strategic decisions. The general emphasised that the only way for ASEAN to maintain its central position is to promote its strength and strengthen unity within the bloc to assert its strategic value. ASEAN member states must uphold the spirit of solidarity, independence, and self-reliance in both words and deeds; abide by the law and adhere to ASEAN's fundamental principles and standards of conduct.

The Prime Minister also emphasised that, amid fierce competition, ASEAN needs to maintain a strategic balance with major countries. ASEAN must become a reliable bridge capable of harmonising and balancing relationships and interests, steadfast in its pursuit of constructing an open, transparent, inclusive, and most importantly regional structure. Maintain their principled stance on issues directly related to the region's security and development environment.

Only then can ASEAN's role be effectively promoted and receive the respect of its partners, particularly the largest nations.

At the Conference, the Prime Minister and the Leaders engaged in lengthy discussions on regional and international issues, reiterating ASEAN's principled stance. Regarding the East Sea issue, the Prime Minister emphasised that safeguarding peace, stability, security, safety, freedom of navigation, and aviation in the East Sea is both in the interest of and the responsibility of all nations. Propose to promote full and effective implementation of the DOC Declaration and strive to achieve a substantive, effective COC Code of Conduct by international law and UNCLOS 1982, while calling on partners to support ASEAN's position. Together with ASEAN, create a conducive environment for COC negotiations.

In addition, the Prime Minister emphasised the importance of adhering to the all-people approach with the guiding principle that "the people are the centre, subject, goal, resource, and driving force" of development and the process of constructing the Republic. ASEAN money. Additionally, the Prime Minister emphasised the direction of equitable and sustainable development, particularly in remote and sub-regional areas; do not sacrifice justice, social progress, and environmental protection for simple economic growth.

The Prime Minister announced that Vietnam will host the ASEAN Future Forum on rapid, sustainable, and people-centred development to complement ASEAN's official forums and mechanisms and to create exchange opportunities. Exchanging ideas and initiatives for regional cooperation on a broad scale will contribute to the development of a resilient and sustainable ASEAN Community.

To enhance cooperation between ASEAN and its partners, the Prime Minister suggested focusing on promoting trade, and investment, connecting businesses, stabilising supply chains, and supporting each other's market access. We hope that partners will support and create more favourable conditions for goods from Vietnam and ASEAN nations.

Towards a sustainable future, the Prime Minister proposed ASEAN cooperation mechanisms to expand potential fields, such as digital transformation, digital economy, e-commerce, energy transition, green finance, and Green technology. These mechanisms are intended to create more impetus for inclusive growth, towards sustainable development, and to bring tangible benefits to the people. In addition, the Prime Minister requested that partners work together to promote Mekong cooperation frameworks, effectively contributing to the subregion's sustainable development.

The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of transforming economic structures, moving towards building a digital economy, developing a green economy, implementing a circular economy, and sharing the economy in inappropriate, correct, and effective directions. Utilise partnerships between the public and private sectors to mobilise resources. In light of this, the Prime Minister suggested that countries must coordinate closely with one another to promote new ways of thinking, new methods, and new technologies during this profound transformation process.

Vietnam will continue to coordinate closely with Indonesia and other ASEAN nations in their efforts to build a united, unified, resilient, and developed ASEAN in its capacity as a trusted partner and active and responsible member. Continue to promote multilateral cooperation and international solidarity, contributing to the maintenance of an environment of peace, stability, cooperation, and shared development in the region and throughout the world.

Countries anticipate the ASEAN-Australia High-Level Dialogue on Climate Change and Energy Transition, which will be co-chaired by Australia, Vietnam, and Laos and held in Hanoi later this year, as an opportunity to contribute to efforts in a practical manner. The transition to a sustainable, environmentally friendly future.

Encourage partners' relationships to be deeper, more substantive, and more effective.

On this occasion, in the spirit of sincerity, trust, and responsibility, in an open environment, with frank discussions on major regional and international issues, the Prime Minister had nearly twenty meetings and contacts with the leaders of countries and international organisations attending the conference. By fostering political-diplomatic cooperation, economics-trade-investment, security-defense, culture-education, and people-to-people exchanges, the relationship between Vietnam and its partners is strengthened. People... are going deeper, more substantively, and more successfully over time.

In addition, the Prime Minister and the heads of state and international organisations agreed to promote cooperation in emerging fields such as innovation, digital transformation, green transformation, circular economy, and economics. Sharing, renewable energy, sustainable development, and effective coordination to maximise opportunities in implementing multilateral agreements, such as free trade agreements.

Notably, in the context of food security issues, particularly rice supply shortages, which are a concern of many countries in the region, the Prime Minister stated that Vietnam is prepared to assist countries in ensuring supply. stabilise and contribute to enhancing global food security. To achieve food security objectives, the Prime Minister proposed and numerous leaders concurred that it is necessary to negotiate and sign trade cooperation agreements on rice.

Recent socioeconomic development and administrative achievements of the Vietnamese government were praised by all partners. Partners also appreciate Vietnam's dynamic role and positive contributions to ASEAN and the region more and more. Numerous world leaders have expressed a desire to visit Vietnam and improve bilateral relations shortly.

Governments and businesses need to cooperate more closely, effectively and substantively

In addition, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh met with the heads of Indonesia's top businesses and corporations and spoke at the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit, the largest annual business forum in the Eastern region. South Asia, with more than 2,000 ASEAN and international business representatives and more than 100 international speakers, including the leaders of numerous ASEAN nations and partner nations.

All businesses view Vietnam as a large, promising, and alluring market in which to invest and purchase quality goods and services. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc asserted that Vietnam always creates the most favourable conditions for investors in the spirit of "harmonious benefits, shared risks"

To further promote the role of businesses in promoting growth and creating breakthroughs for ASEAN, the Prime Minister stated that Governments and businesses must collaborate more closely, effectively, and substantially to: (1) work together to improve institutions; (2) develop strategic infrastructure and economic connections; and (3) build high-quality human resources, promote innovation, and promote human capital.

The aforementioned issues require coordination on all three levels: between governments to harmonise policies, between businesses to synchronise implementation, and between governments and businesses to improve public relations. Public-private collaboration, confidence, and consensus.

The Prime Minister hopes that businesses will take the lead in innovation, increase labour productivity, and combine production, business, and research and development harmoniously; comply with the law, improve business capacity and ethics, and create a healthy, equal, and sustainable business environment; promote roles and responsibilities to the community and society, particularly in remote areas, border regions, and islands so that no one is left behind; and develop a culture in business.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and the high-ranking Vietnamese delegation's successful business trip to attend the 43rd ASEAN Summit and related conferences can be confirmed. The Vietnamese delegation made the most of their time, seized every opportunity, accomplished their objectives, contributed positively to the overall success of the Conference, articulated their views and positions clearly and consistently, and reaffirmed Vietnam's growing importance and role in the region and the world.

The international and ASEAN public viewed the business trip of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and the Vietnamese delegation with great interest and appreciation. The international press paid close attention to the trip, continuing to be impressed by the leaders of the Party, State, and Head of Government of Vietnam's confidence, initiative, sincerity, trust, responsibility, straightforwardness, strength, energy, initiative, flexibility, and efficiency.

The Prime Minister's business trip continues the implementation of an independent, self-reliant foreign policy by smoothly, synchronously, closely, and effectively coordinating with other significant foreign affairs activities in the past and future. peace, cooperation and development, diversification and multilateralization by the Resolution of the Thirteenth Party Congress and Directive 25 of the Secretariat on promoting and raising the level of multilateral foreign relations; convey the great message of the Party, State, and Government of Vietnam to ASEAN and international friends regarding a Vietnam of peace, cooperation, integration, and more active, proactive, and effective participation in progress. regional programme, a good friend, a dependable partner, and a member of the international community with responsibility.

According to C.P