This is the second consecutive year that ASEAN has been invited to the attend G20 summit. This shows that the international community is aware of the important role that ASEAN plays in the global economy.

Surin Pitsuwan, ASEAN’s General Secretary said that like China and Russia, major economies want to have a greater say in global economic management. The participation of ASEAN in the G20 also underlines that the G20 has become a more democratic forum in which ASEAN can make an active and responsible contribution to the international community.

Over the past 40 years, ASEAN has confirmed its position as a prestigious regional organization. In economic terms, ASEAN is one of the most dynamic trade centres as it has a population of 580 million with GDP reaching US$1,500 billion and total trade valued at US$1,700 billion.

ASEAN has rapidly recovered and regained its growth despite two recent economic crises. Situated in the centre of Asia, ASEAN can help to lead the global economy out of its current economic crisis.

At the G20 summit, Vietnam, as ASEAN President in 2010, will confirm the bloc’s determination to cooperate with other countries in solving issues put forward by the international community to ensure that the global economy recovers and developing sustainably.

Nguyen Phuong Nga, spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry said that Vietnam, will put forward ASEAN’s viewpoints, priorities and visions of ASEAN region for solving issues related to the global economy, strengthening links between the G20 and other groupings, especially newly-emerging and developing countries.

At the summit, the G20 and ASEAN leaders will focus on discussions on restructuring the world economy. Hopes are high that ASEAN will have a greater say in the development of the international community.