Hanoi (VNA)💦 – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has urged the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN BAC) to work together with the governments and people of ASEAN countries in key works for further economic development.

The PM made the suggestion at a reception on September 13 for a delegation of ASEAN BAC chairmen led by ASEAN BAC Chair 2024 and President of the Lao Chamber of Commerce and Industry Oudet Souvannavong, who are in Hanoi for the 101st ASEAN BAC meeting. Chinh said amidst many challenges faced by the world, ASEAN has demonstrated resilience, flexibility and proactive adaptability to maintain growth and continue to play an important role in the global supply chain. The ASEAN economy still maintains a firm pace, and the economic growth rate is expected to reach 4.6% this year, continuing to be a bright spot in the world economy. He hailed the contributions of the business community to the results. For further development, Chinh suggested the ASEAN BAC accompany the governments and people of ASEAN countries in specific works, including working together to build institutions and policies; boost economic connectivity on infrastructure, particularly transport, culture - society, healthcare, education and people; and mobilise resources, renew traditional growth drivers and promote new growth one in digital economy, green economy, and knowledge economy. Besides, the ASEAN BAC was proposed to jointly work with ASEAN countries in building high-quality human resources, especially in the fields of digital transformation, green transition, high technology, with common standards on training, assessment and mutual recognition between competency certification systems that ASEAN countries are using; and building and managing smart, modern, innovative enterprises. Chinh said he will call on ASEAN leaders to have preferential policies for ASEAN businesses, and he believes that businesses will keep innovating their thinking and working methods, mobilise resources for development. ASEAN BAC members will promote their pioneering role to make ASEAN a leading attrative destination for investors and contribute to boost ASEAN's rapid and sustainable development, he added. At the meeting, ASEAN BAC Chair Oudet and the delegation members extended their symphathy over the loss of human and property that Vietnam has suffered due to Typhoon Yagi, heavy rains and floods in recent days. They spoke highly Vietnam's role in contributing to building a self-reliant and cohesive ASEAN; and hailed Vietnam a responsible member in the Greater Mekong region cooperation. Oudet Souvannavong said the ASEAN BAC will convene the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (ASEAN BIS) in Vientiane, Laos, later this year, hoping for support from the Vietnamese Government and the attendance of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. The PM said in reply that he will attend the summit./.