Jakarta (VNA) – Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)Dato Lim Jock Hoi has commenꦕded Vietnam’s exemplary role as the Chair of ASEAN ina year full of challenges.

In an interview withthe Vietnam News Agency’s correspondent, he pointed out that despite having todeal with the impact of COVID-19 and natural disasters, Vietnam has providedstrong leadership in keeping the region cohesive and responsive to thesechallenges, placing ASEAN Centrality and the interest of the region’s people atthe forefront of work. Vietnam’s Chairmanshiptheme this year, “Cohesive and Responsive”, is both prescient and highlyrelevant in the face of COVID-19, which is considered to be the defining globalhealth crisis. “In addressing thischallenge, Vietnam has successfully rallied the collective will and resourcesof the region, especially in synchronising ASEAN’s response to the pandemic,”he emphasised. This “Cohesive andResponsive” spirit is aptly expressed through the adoption of the ASEANComprehensive Recovery Framework and Implementation Plan during the ASEAN Summitheld last month, he continued. The development of theframework and its implementation plan galvanised all the ASEAN CommunityPillars and Sectoral Bodies toward a coordinated regional response, as well ascharting the path for an inclusive and resilient socio-economic recovery. He went on to notethat amidst geostrategic uncertainties, Vietnam’s Chairmanship alsostrengthened the ties of friendship and deepened trust among ASEAN member nations,and with external partners through intensified cooperation. “The signing of theRegional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement, following eightyears of negotiations with ASEAN at the driving seat, stands as a testament tothe region’s convening power and leadership in advancing an open, inclusive,and rules-based economic architecture”. The ASEAN’s Secretary-Generalsaid that every achievement of the regional bloc is unique and commendable intheir own way. This year, member countries have been outstanding in continuingtheir work despite labouring under various degrees of lockdown and quarantinemeasures. “As the world came toa near standstill, ASEAN continued to progress in community-building agenda,remained united and open for business,” he stressed. He voiced his delightthat ASEAN was able to achieve its key deliverables for this year, which includesthe conclusion of the RCEP, the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding onthe implementation of non-tariff measures on essential goods under the HanoiPlan of Action, and the adoption of the Roadmap for Human Resources Developmentfor the Changing World of Work. The fact that ASEANwas able to realise all of these initiatives amidst experiencing anunprecedented challenge has, in many ways, affirmed the organisation’s success,he noted. At the same time,ASEAN must be prepared to respond to other potential crises in the future, hesaid, adding that it can do this by taking into account global trends and geostrategicdevelopments. He reiterated that aboveall, ASEAN must remain united, agile and resolute in working towards the ASEANCommunity Vision 2025 as well as implementing the Comprehensive EconomicRecovery Plan which is vital to the future economic growth./.