Hanoi (VNA) – Chairman of the National Assembly of Vietnam VuongDinh Hue on August 23 delivered a speech at the first plenary session of the 42nd GeneralAssembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA-42) viavideoconference.

Under the themed “Forging parliamentary cooperation in digital inclusion towarsASEAN Community 2025”, the 42nd AIPA General Assembly is held by Brunei fromAugust 23-25.

Following is the full text of Hue’s remarks.

Excellency Pehin Dato Abdul Rahman Taib, Speaker of the LegislativeCouncil of Brunei Darussalam, President of AIPA 42,

Excellencies Speakers and Heads of Delegation of AIPA Member and ObserverParliaments,

Esteemed delegates,

On behalf of the Vietnamese National Assembly, allowme to extend my warmest greetings to Excellencies President of AIPA 42, AIPAParliamentary leaders, Observer Parliaments, the AIPA Secretary General, ASEANSecretary General and delegates attending the 42nd AIPA GeneralAssembly. In celebration of the Islamic New Year, may I also convey my bestwishes to Excellency President of AIPA 42, Negara Brunei Darussalam, and Muslimfriends in ASEAN. I would like to thank the Legislative Council of BruneiDarussalam for its efforts and active preparations to make this event happenvia videoconference.

Ladiesand gentlemen,

In the past year, the world and the ASEAN region continued to facetremendous difficulties and challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, causing casualtiesand disruptions of the regional supply chain. This has significantly impactedeconomic growth and exacerbated social inequality, including digital inequalityand social welfare. More than ever, the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the urgencyacross the board pertaining to state governance, and adjustments of policiesand development goals. It has also emphasised the demand for digitalization andthe building of a digital economy, so as to timely respond to the pandemic andsustain socio-economic development.

Despite the effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the complex,unpredictable shifts in the regional and international geo-political landscape,we are delighted to note that the ASEAN Community has continued to maintainsolidarity, unity and self-reliance, and uphold its stern resolve andcentrality. Our Community has timely exerted collective efforts in response tothe pandemic since its outbreak. As we weather tempestuous challenges, theclose bonds and mutual sharing among ASEAN members and their peoples arefurther bolstered. Via such initiatives as the ASEAN COVID-19 Response Fund,the Regional Reserve of Medical Supplies, the Standard Operating Procedures forpublic health emergencies, and particularly the ASEAN Vaccine Security andSelf-Reliance initiative, ASEAN members have worked closely together tostrengthen the responsiveness of each country and gradually contain thepandemic. Given a comprehensive approach conducted in tandem with efforts tocombat this pandemic, ASEAN is expediting the implementation of measures underthe ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework, in which innovation, digitalisation,and the transformation of growth models are considered as drivers to promptlyfoster sustainable recovery.

The COVID-19 pandemic also constitutes a catalyst for ASEAN’s endeavors toaccelerate the digitalization of its economy, effectively harness the 4thIndustrial Revolution Revolution, narrow the digital gap, and ensure digitalequality in the region. I highly commend the 1st ASEAN Digital Ministers’Meeting in January 2021 for approving the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025. I alsosupport the efforts to adopt and implement ASEAN’s Consolidated Strategy on the4th Industrial Revolution. Such endeavors would serve to create an innovativeASEAN Community and enhance ASEAN’s competitiveness in the global economy.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The theme “Forging Parliamentary Cooperation in Digital Inclusion towardsASEAN Community 2025” outlines the need to further build on the vital role ofAIPA and its Member Parliaments in accelerating digitalisation, ensuring stablegrowth and fostering sustainable recovery of ASEAN, thereby maintaining ASEAN’skey contributions to regional peace, stability and prosperity. With this in mind,I would like to draw your attention to the following proposals:

First, AIPA Member Parliaments need to complete the legal framework andremove barriers to facilitate the implementation of digital transformationpolicies, with a view to building the e-Government towards a digital government.It is also necessary to improve the quality of online public services of ourGovernments and Parliaments, facilitate equitable access to digital services forthe people and businesses, increase digital literacy for the vulnerable groups,offer fair, equitable and affordable digital services, and promote thedevelopment of a digital economy and society.

Second, we need to encourage the Governmentsof ASEAN members to carry out concrete programs, action plans and strategiespertaining to digital development. It is also essential to bolster cooperationwith partners and international organizations to improve digitalinfrastructure, ensure an inclusive digital ecosystem, and narrow the digitalgap. I wish to underscore the importance of strengthening digital connectivityand narrowing the digital gap among countries and regions to ensure equitableand sustainable development in ASEAN. I kindly request AIPA to actively lendits assistance to the Governments of ASEAN countries in accelerating theimplementation of measures to boost digital connectivity and digital literacyin less-developed areas, including sub-regions in ASEAN, under the Master Planfor ASEAN Connectivity 2025 and the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) WorkPlan IV.

Third, we need to mobilise socialresources to develop a digital ecosystem via public - private partnership andcreate incubators to develop digital corporations and start-ups. In particular,it is necessary to align the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework with theplans of each country to assist their enterprises in enhancing innovation andexpediting digitalisation, thereby allowing them to ensure stability and resumeproduction and business activities.

Fourth, we need to improve policiesand legal frameworks and support initiatives in the cooperation within ASEANand between ASEAN and its partners on cyber security, information privacy, dataprotection and confidence building in the digital sphere. An advanced digitalinfrastructure and necessary confidence in this field will pave the way for thequick and sustainable development of ASEAN countries.

Ladies and gentlemen,

All efforts to foster nationalrecovery and development can only be conducted in a region of peace, securityand stability. I welcome and highly appreciate the endeavors of the Governmentsof ASEAN members, and the active support of AIPA Member Parliaments inmaintaining and promoting dialogue, cooperation and confidence building,upholding the respect for international law, and preventing and reducing risksto stability. These measures would be important contributors to enduring peace,security and stability in the region.

Your Excellency,

Ladies and gentlemen,   

This year, despite numerous challenges caused by COVID-19, in May, Vietnamsuccessfully held the elections for the 15th National Assembly, and thePeople’s Councils at all levels for the 2021-2026 tenure. In July, Vietnamsuccessfully convened the first session of the 15th National Assembly to electthe key leaderships of the State, National Assembly and Government, and outlinethe goals to become a modernity-oriented industrialized developing country,having graduated from the lower-middle income group by 2025, a developingcountry with a modern industrial base and an upper-middle income by 2030, and adeveloped, high-income country by 2045. The National Assembly of Vietnampledges to continue being an active and responsible AIPA member, for thedevelopment of parliamentary diplomacy and the interests of all people in ASEAN.

On this occasion, I would like to wish Your Excellency Mr. President and all ofyou good health and success in your noble missions, as you work alongsideGovernments and the peoples to overcome current challenges to build a united,strong and prosperous ASEAN Community.

I am confident that, under your presidency and with the active participation ofall delegates, the 42nd AIPA General Assembly will be crown with great success.

Thank you./.