Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam has gained practical outcomes from itsparticipation in the freshly-concluded 26th World Economic Forum on ASEAN(WEF-ASEAN) in Cambodia, according to Deputy Foreign Minister Dang Dinh Quy.

The Vietnamese delegation, led by Prime MinisterNguyen Xuan Phuc, arrived in Hanoi on May 12 afternoon, wrapping up a trip toattend the WEF-ASEAN at the invitation of WEF Executive Chairman Klaus Schwab.

Quy said unlike the previous forums, this year’sWEF-ASEAN was significant since it took place amid the 50th foundinganniversary of ASEAN and a number of challenges facing the region, especiallyin globalisation, economic connectivity and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.To Vietnam, the event was where it received the role as the host of theWEF-ASEAN 2018.

Highlighting forum attendance benefits, heelaborated that Vietnam popularised its resolve to boost comprehensive reforms,economic restructuring and growth model shifting; policies and efforts to builda development facilitating Government, step up business climate improvement,and encourage start-up and innovation; and its determination to integrate intothe world despite unfavourable global situation.

A series of meetings hosted by PM Phuc connectedleading enterprises of the region and the world with Vietnam’s business circle.Two major events were held specifically for Vietnam, gathering many major firmssuch as Visa, Golden Gates Ventures & Bragiel Brothers, Marsh, OPTrust,Unison Capital, Mitsubishi, Development Bank of Japan, Hanwha, StandardChartered, Geneva Swiss Bank, Temasek, and Eastspring Investments.

On this occasion, the PM also invited leaders ofWEF member businesses to take part in activities of APEC Vietnam 2017, Quysaid.

He added the presence in the WEF-ASEAN 2017helped to promote Vietnam’s image as an active, proactive and responsiblemember of the ASEAN Community.

As this year’s forum focused on impacts oftechnology on growth and employment in ASEAN, it was a good occasion forVietnam to learn about the world’s and the region’s evaluations of ASEAN andits member nations, and to realise new development trends, especially theregional countries’ actions to adapt to the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Thatwill help Vietnam design and carry out its own development strategies, theofficial noted.

Quy added PM Phuc’s participation in theWEF-ASEAN in Cambodia only more than two weeks since his official visit to thecountry showed Vietnam’s support to the WEF’s activities as well as Cambodia,which hosted this event for the first time. Senior leaders of Cambodia alsohighly regarded the Vietnamese PM’s presence, which was believed to havesubstantially contributed to bilateral friendship.

The Deputy Minister said the hosting of theWEF-ASEAN next year is expected to be a chance for Vietnam to promote itself furtherto the region and the world, helping to foster global businesses’ interest inVietnam.

It will be a precious opportunity to bolsterdialogue and connectivity between Vietnamese enterprises and their partnersfrom around the globe, he said, noting that Vietnam also hopes this event willencourage entrepreneurship and businesses’ engagement in national development.

The hosting of the WEF-ASEAN 2018 is part ofmultilateral external activities between 2016 and 2020. It realises Vietnam’sforeign policy of active and proactive international integration and being afriend, a trustworthy partner and a responsible member of the internationalcommunity, Quy added.-VNA