Vietnam contributes to intra-bloc cooperation at AEM-55
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien is leading a Vietnamese delegation to the 55th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting (AEM-55) which officially opened in Semarang, Indonesia, on August 19.
Heads of delegations to 55th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting (Photo: ASEAN)
Jakarta (VNA) – Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien isleading a Vietnamese delegation to the 55th ASEAN EconomicMinisters’ Meeting (AEM-55) which officially opened in Semarang, Indonesia, onAugust 19.
The Vietnamese representative gave comments on issues relatedto intra-ASEAN economic cooperation such as preparations for the signing of thesecond Protocol amending the agreement on the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand FreeTrade Area (AANZFTA), negotiations to upgrade the ASEAN Trade in GoodsAgreement (ATIGA), and preparations for the launch of negotiations on the ASEANDigital Economy Framework, thereby demonstrating Vietnam's strong commitment toregional economic integration and helping maintain its active role inactivities that create a driving force for regional and global economic growth, promotepost-COVID-19 economic recovery, and strengthen regional supply chains.
At the meeting, participating ministers shared informationand updated the implementation of Indonesia's prioritised economic cooperationinitiatives in its ASEAN Chairmanship Year 2023, and important tasks ofthe ASEAN Economic Community such as the ASEAN Strategy for Carbon Neutrality,preparations to launch negotiations on the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework,implementation and upgrade of the ATIGA as well as preparations for consultationsbetween economic ministers of ASEAN member states and their partners.
They also exchanged views on recommendations by theHigh-Level Task Force on ASEAN Economic Integration related to the building ofthe post-2025 ASEAN Economic Community vision, and reviewed preparations forthe upcoming ASEAN Summit and related summits.
In addition, the ministers also discussed economiccooperation activities between ASEAN and dialogue partners such as the US,China, the European Union, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia, New Zealand,India, Russia, Canada, and the UK, along with the implementation of free tradeagreements (FTAs) between ASEAN and partner countries, including the upgrade ofthe ASEAN-China FTA, negotiations on an FTA between ASEAN and Canada, and theimplementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
On the sidelines of the meeting, the ministers discussed with the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ABAC) about the council’s recommendationsand priorities related to promoting the use of electric vehicles in the region,strengthening regional trade and investment integration, facilitating collaborationactivities on sustainable development, and maintaining health measures torespond to epidemics.
As planned, this meeting will be followed by a series ofEconomic Ministerial Consultations between ASEAN and its dialogue partners scheduled for August 20-22./.
A Vietnamese delegation led by Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Quoc Khanh attended the 29th ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) Retreat in Central Java province of Indonesia on March 22.
Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), has commended Indonesia, Chair of the bloc in 2023, for raising priority economic deliverables (PEDs) that are forward-looking and expected to encourage stronger regional economic cooperation.
Japan will work with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members to promote the digital processing of import-export activities in an effort to facilitate bilateral trade, Nikkei Asia reported.
A Vietnamese delegation led by Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien attended the 15th Cambodia - Laos - Myanmar - Vietnam Economic Ministers' Meeting (CLMV EMM 15) in Semarang city, Indonesia on August 18.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
Heads of delegations to 55th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting (Photo: ASEAN) 
