Vietnam's remarkable contributions to ASEAN integration

VOV.VN - Vietnam has contributed significantly to boosting integration and narrowing the development gap in ASEAN towards a harmoniously developed community.

Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son made the remarks at
 the 3rd forum on Southeast Asia of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development opened in Hanoi on June 14.

In his speech, Son suggested ASEAN members should focus on job generation, infrastructure, and human resources to make the most of regional economic connectivity. 

OECD Deputy Secretary General Douglas Frantz praised Vietnam’s hosting of the event, describing it Vietnam’s efforts to bolster cooperation between ASEAN and his organization. 

He said ASEAN members should increase investment in education and training, improve the business environment, support small and medium-sized enterprises in joining blobal value chains, and ensure social security. 

Meanwhile, Japan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Masakazu Hamachi described ASEAN is a development centre of the world with abundant growth potential. 

The building of the ASEAN Economic Community has opened up a new development space for regional countries. However, he warned that the grouping is facing many risks, including a gap in development levels, limited connectivity, reduced productivity and the “middle-income trap.” 

He affirmed his nation's commitment to continuing to support ASEAN countries through different cooperation frameworks in order to boost productivity and inclusive growth. 

Delegates discussed increasing productivity in Southeast Asia, connecting small and medium-sized enterprises in global value chains, and inclusive growth.

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