Hanoi(VNA) – Chilean Foreign Minister Roberto Ampuero has affirmed that Chile pays particularattention to participating in the World Economic Forum on ASEAN (WEF ASEAN) asit is a leading mechanism in supporting the application of technology andcreating benefit for citizens.

By proposing theforum’s theme – “ASEAN 4.0: Entrepreneurship and the Fourth IndustrialRevolution” – Vietnam, the host of the event, has touched upon timely solutionsto deal with emerging challenges in the digital economic era, he told theVietnam News Agency on the sidelines of the event.

He held that amidstthe strong development of technology, different countries with differentexperiences and growth levels will see different benefits and challenges.

The WEF ASEAN should offera forecast on some of the challenges brought about by Industry 4.0, thushelping countries to prepare for it and exchange knowledge and experience fortheir continued stable, sustainable, and inclusive growth, he said.

He also stressed theneed for the forum to create favourable conditions to assist economies withtimely responding to rapid and in-depth changes to the fourth IndustrialRevolution.

Regarding relationswith the ASEAN, the Chilean FM showed his hope to strengthen cooperation with SoutheastAsian countries and join the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), as well as become adevelopment and dialogue partner of ASEAN.

He revealed thatChilean President Sebastian Pinera received an invitation to attend the ASEANSummit in this November in Singapore.

He underlined thatChile attaches much importance to fostering ties with the ASEAN, expressing hisbelief that Chile has abundant potential for the growth of the grouping.

With the signing of 16free trade agreements with Asia-Pacific partners, Chile has become one of themost open countries in the world enjoying various economic, trade, andfinancial deals with the region and ASEAN member countries in particular, hesaid.

He added that Chile iswilling to share its experience with ASEAN in poverty reduction andinternational integration through the FTAs.

Noting that Chile andVietnam have enjoyed a sound traditional friendship since 1971, he recalled thehistorical visit in 1969 by Speaker of Chile’s Senate Salvador Allende who laterbecame the President of Chile from 1970-1973. He was also the last foreignguest to meet late President Ho Chi Minh.

He said that the twocountries should maintain their exchange of delegations, while reforming andcompleting reached agreements.

He lauded theformation of the Chile-Vietnam Chamber of Commerce, expressing his hope that itwill help connect businesses of both sides and opening new cooperationopportunities.

Ampuero highlightedthat the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership,which was signed in March in Chile, will also contribute to promoting bilateraltrade, as well as the economic integration in each country.

During his stay inVietnam, he is scheduled to have a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister andForeign Minister Pham Binh Minh to discuss measures to bolster bilateral ties.–VNA