Moscow (VNA) – Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long joined delegates from 140 countries worldwide at the opening session of the 28th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEFT), themed “Shared Values: The Foundation of Growth in a Multipolar World” in the Russian city on June 19.

Held in an open discussion format, the session fostered in-depth and substantive sharing of views on the forum’s main theme and emerging global challenges.

In his opening remarks, Long – one of the keynote speakers at the session – highlighted the importance of the forum, saying that it brings together new ideas and serves as a premier policy dialogue platform in the region and the world.

To overcome global challenges and achieve sustainable and inclusive development, countries must promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour, and 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, he said.

He proposed sharing of advances in science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation to generate new momentum for growth, while also calling for joint efforts to accelerate the reform of global governance institutions.

The Deputy PM hailed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “Greater Eurasian Partnership" (GEP) initiative, affirming that Vietnam stands ready to serve as a bridge promoting cooperation between the Eurasian Economic Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nationas (ASEAN). Regarding pressing global issues such as tariffs and armed conflicts, Long clearly stated Vietnam’s stance and viewpoints. He noted that the continued escalation of retaliatory tariff policies could have negative and immeasurable impacts on the multilateral trading system and global economic growth. As a highly open economy, Vietnam is particularly vulnerable to changes in global trade and tariff policies of other countries, with potential consequences including export declines, disruptions to FDI inflows, and mounting pressure on macroeconomic governance, he said. The consistent stance of the Vietnamese Party, State, and Government is to remain proactive and composed, carefully assess the situation, and respond with flexible adjustments, he said, adding that to adapt to the shifting global trade landscape, Vietnam is implementing a comprehensive set of measures, including market diversification, business support initiatives, and economic restructuring.

According to the official, Vietnam is among the first countries to have entered into reciprocal trade negotiations with the US. So far, three rounds of negotiations have been completed at both technical and ministerial levels, with both sides looking for a fair and stable agreement that ensures the legitimate interests of all relevant parties in the coming time.

Regarding armed conflicts, the Deputy PM stressed that Vietnam, having endured many wars in its history, does not wish to see conflicts occur anywhere in the world. He called on all parties to seek appropriate solutions through dialogue and negotiations, affirming that Vietnam is willing to make responsible contributions to ensuring a peaceful, stable, and prosperous future for the world.

This year’s forum features over 150 panel discussions, exhibitions, and policy dialogue sessions, attracting around 20,000 delegates both in person and online, including senior leaders. Participants are focusing their discussion on establishing new foundations for global economic growth, with a strong emphasis on the role of developing countries in shaping a new economic order.

Key topics at the forum include the rapid advancement of digital te♔chnologies, the role of artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity in the digital transformation era. Russian President Vladimir Putiꦛn is scheduled to deliver a vital policy speech on June 20 afternoon, conveying messages on the Russian economy as well as the global economic and political landscape./.