The focus of discussion will be on issues related to strengthening cooperation in science and technology in the ASEAN region, towards the sustainable building and development of an ASEAN community based upon three pillars: ASEAN Security Community, ASEAN Economic Community and an ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community.

Participants will review the results of implementing the agreements on cooperation in science and technology among ASEAN member countries in recent years, and ASEAN’s action plan for the 2012-2017 period.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Quan emphasized issues related to food security, early warning systems to reduce natural calamities, biofuel, the application of open-source software, and climate change.

The event shows Vietnam’s increasing role and status in the international arena since its assumption of ASEAN chair last year.

Weerapong Paisuwan, President of the ASEAN Committee for Science and Technology (2010-2011) handed over his Presidency to Vietnam’s representative.