The Vietnamese representative gave comments on issues related to intra-ASEAN economic cooperation such as preparations for the signing of the second Protocol amending the agreement on the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA), negotiations to upgrade the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), and preparations for the launch of negotiations on the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework, thereby demonstrating Vietnam's strong commitment to regional economic integration and helping maintain its active role in activities that create a driving force for regional and global economic growth, promote post-Covid-19 economic recovery, and strengthen regional supply chains.

Heads of delegations to 55th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting.

At the meeting, participating ministers shared information and updated the implementation of Indonesia's prioritised economic cooperation initiatives in its ASEAN Chairmanship Year 2023, and important tasks of the 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 consultations between economic ministers of ASEAN member states and their partners.

They also exchanged views on recommendations by the High-Level Task Force on ASEAN Economic Integration related to the building of the post-2025 ASEAN Economic Community vision, and reviewed preparations for the upcoming ASEAN Summit and related summits.

In addition, the ministers also discussed economic cooperation 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 trade agreements (FTAs) between ASEAN and partner countries, including the upgrade of the ASEAN-China FTA, negotiations on an FTA between ASEAN and Canada, and the implementation 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 recommendations and priorities related to promoting the use of electric vehicles in the region, strengthening regional trade and investment integration, facilitating collaboration activities on sustainable development, and maintaining health measures to respond to epidemics.

As planned, this meeting will be followed by a series of Economic Ministerial Consultations between ASEAN and its dialogue partners scheduled for August 20-22.

Two Vietnamese films get four nominations at ASEAN Int'l Film Festival 2023

Two Vietnamese movies, namely Memento Mori: Dat (Memento: Earth) and Dem toi ruc ro (The Brilliant Darkness), have been nominated in four categories of the ASEAN International Films Festivals & Awards (AIFFA) 2023 which is underway in Malaysia, according to actress and director Hong Anh.

Vietnam attends 30th ASEAN Regional Forum

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son reaffirmed Vietnam’s approach in which dialogue, consultation and trust building have been taken as the main tools in settling disagreements and differences while addressing the 30th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in Jakarta, Indonesia, on July 14.

Vietnamese scientist among finalists for ASEAN-US science prize for women

The ASEAN Permanent Committee on Science, Technology, and Innovation (COSTI) and the US Government, through the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the UL Research Institutes on July 10 announced the list of 12 finalists for the 2023 Underwriters Laboratories-ASEAN-US Science Prize for Women.

Vietnam forecast to be ASEAN’s fastest-growing economy

Vietnam’s economy is expected to grow 6.8% this year - the highest in ASEAN - according to the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (ARMO). The office also forecast economic growth in China, the Republic of Korea, and Japan in 2023.

ASEAN Family Day looks to strengthen solidarity among member countries

The 2023 ASEAN Family Day has been held in New York with the participation of nearly 1,000 staff members of permanent representative mission of ASEAN nations and their families as well as the ambassadors of China, Japan and the Republic of Korea to the United Nations as honorary guests.

Source: VNA