Davos (VNA) – Permanent Deputy Prime MinisterTruong Hoa Binh highlighted the theme and priorities of the Association ofSoutheast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Vietnam as ASEAN Chair in 2020 whilespeaking at a plenary session of the 50th World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting inDavos, Switzerland, on January 21.

At the “Strategic Outlook: ASEAN” session,Deputy PM Binh emphasised that ASEAN is a united and dynamic community of 10independent Southeast Asian states. Among them, Vietnam has an economic growthrate of over 6 percent over the last 20 years and is one of the fastest growingeconomies in the Asia-Pacific region and the world with an average annualgrowth pace of 7 percent in the last couple of years.

ASEAN is a strategic priority in Vietnam’sforeign policy, he affirmed, adding that the country chose the theme “Cohesiveand Responsive” for the year it holds the bloc’s chairmanship to respond to thecommon concern of the ASEAN members, who want to build a strong community amida fast changing world.

Binh stressed the bloc’s priorities, includingcontributing to the maintenance of peace, security and stability in the region;promoting regional connectivity, improving the adaptability to and making useof chances in the Fourth Industrial Revolution; enhancing community awarenessand ASEAN identity; and continuing to expand and intensify the bloc’s relationswith partners around the globe.

At the session, the Deputy PM also affirmed thatas ASEAN Chair in 2020 and a non-permanent member of the United NationsSecurity Council for 2020-2021, Vietnam will strengthen cooperation betweenASEAN and the UN to actively contribute to regional and international peace andsecurity, promote the realisation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, andboost ASEAN’s role and voice at other important multilateral forums, therebyhelping to uphold multilateralism and international cooperation in regional andglobal issues.

Deputy PM Binh is leading a high-rankingdelegation from Vietnam to attend the 50th WEF meeting in Davos.

Vietnam’s participation in the event aims topopularise the country’s achievements in socio-economic development andintegration into the world while introducing its major developmentorientations, policies and measures to other nations, partners and largebusinesses so as to encourage them to bolster cooperation with Vietnam.

The meeting sees the presence of nearly 3,000delegates from 117 countries, including 53 heads of states and governments,along with presidents and managing directors of 1,000 partner and member companies./.