Vietnam, a proactive force for Southeast Asia in 2015

21/1/15
                        The city of Da Nang, one of the most favorite site for tourism in the world
Vietnam will be a “responsible, active, and proactive” member of the ASEAN family which strives to enhance the regional bloc’s integration and aggressively supports the ASEAN Community-building process as well as the Community’s centrality in the evolving regional architecture.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh made the statement in his article titled “Vietnam 2015: A proactive force for peace, stability and community-building in Southeast Asia” recently published on the weekly NewEurope in Brussels, Belgium.

He said 2015 will be the year that Vietnam steps up and further accelerates economic reforms, with a priority on strengthening market economy institutions and streamlining bureaucracy while also engaging in broader social and political change.

“In 2015, Vietnam expects the conclusion of Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations, bringing the total number of its signed free trade agreements (FTA) to 12 which cover more than 50 countries, among them more than 15 members of the G20. Vietnam optimistically foresees itself to be the first (and perhaps only) ASEAN member state to have FTA arrangements, whether bilateral or multilateral, with all the major powers and economies of the world”.

Turning to regional conflicts, he noted that Vietnam believes strongly that responsibility to exercise self-restraint lies foremost with the major powers which are best positioned and equipped through their actions to build trust and promote the peaceful resolution to disputes.

Together with the member states of ASEAN, all the stakeholders in the region must work collectively to address the root causes of war and conflict, the Deputy PM urged.

As for Vietnam’s relations with the European Union (EU), Minh affirmed that the EU is one of the most important and comprehensive partners and supporters in Vietnam’s ongoing course of reform.

He mentioned the EU’s great interests in a peaceful, stable, and integrated ASEAN, and Vietnam and the other ASEAN countries share a common desire to see greater European involvement in seeking to ensure cooperation, peace, stability, and prosperity throughout East Asia.

Related to the East Sea disputes, he said ASEAN and China have agreed to an early conclusion of the “Code of Conduct in the East Sea” while working hard in an attempt to reap an early harvest in managing disputes.

Giving forecast on the 2015 prospects, Minh raised concern about continued major challenges faced by the region, including adaptability to the intersection of the interests of major regional powers.

According to him, disputes over territory and maritime zones should be expected to become more complex and even fraught with danger. At the same time, non-traditional security issues such as piracy, transnational crime, and disorderly or illegal migration are likely to become more acute as well.

Concluding his article, he expressed optimism about Vietnam’s position as an increasingly important gateway and bridge for the EU–ASEAN relations, and through ASEAN, onward relations with the wider community of East Asian nations.-VNA

Chia sẻ bài viết ^^
Other post

All comments [ 10 ]


yobro yobro 21/1/15 22:40

Vietnam has made significant development progress during the past two decades and it has increasingly integrated into the world economy

Red Star 21/1/15 22:41

Vietnam has reduced poverty at an unprecedented rate: the number of Vietnamese living on less than US$1.25 per day fell from 64 percent in 1992 to 17.2 percent in 2012

LawrenceSamuels 21/1/15 22:43

Over the past ten years, Viet Nam has made encouraging progress in its efforts to achieve the Goals, despite all the hardships and difficulties it faces

Gentle Moon 21/1/15 22:44

Having successfully executed its ten-year Strategy for Socio-Economic Development 2001-2010, the country has not only escaped poverty and lifted itself to middle-income status but also demonstrated the success of its policy approach.

John Smith 21/1/15 22:45

Viet Nam has weathered the global economic crisis while maintaining its performance in socio-economic development, poverty reduction and environmental protection

Voice of people 21/1/15 22:46

Vietnam's success is reflected in markedly improved social circumstances

For A Peace World 21/1/15 22:48

Vietnam is a development success story

Me Too! 21/1/15 22:50

Over the last few decades, Vietnam has made remarkable progress in reducing poverty

Vietnam Love 21/1/15 22:51

In 2013, GDP growth was 5.4 % and is projected to flatten in 2014. Although the economic growth remains moderate and below its potential, Vietnam managed to improve its macroeconomic stabilization

Socialist Society 21/1/15 22:52

Vietnam will be a responsible, active, and proactive factor of the region and the world.

Your comments