VN highly appreciated at world and regional forums

 In the early days of 2020, regional and international public opinion have continuously given  words of appreciation to Viet Nam’s role with numerous expectations, when the country undertakes the “dual task” at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

At the UN headquarters in New York, the USA, Viet Nam conducted official activities under the role of UNSC President, kick-starting its 2020-2021 UNSC membership tenure.

The UNSC approved the working program for January 2020 proposed by Viet Nam. 

Accordingly, the council had convened 12 public meetings and 15 private meetings to discuss many international and regional issues, including the situation in the Middle East, Syria, Yemen, West Africa, Sahel, Mali, Libya, Central Asia and Cyprus. 

On the occasion, Viet Nam proposed and received high approval from all UNSC members concerning the organization of an open debate on promoting compliance with the UN Charter and a meeting on UN-ASEAN cooperation in maintaining international peace and security.

 Viet Nam’s proposals aim to promote the role of multilateralism, the UN Charter and the basic principles of international law for a more peaceful, fairer and better world. 

At the same time, Viet Nam also wishes to enhance the cooperation efficiency and the comprehensive partnership between ASEAN and the UN, for the common benefits of ASEAN countries and the international community.

The Interpreter of Australia’s Lowy Institute commented that although diplomatic responsibility is often accompanied by huge pressure, the assumption of the dual role is also a big opportunity for Viet Nam. 

An article on the website of the Wilson Center (U.S.) stated that by simultaneously holding the ASEAN and UNSC chairmanship, 2020 will be an important year for Viet Nam to demonstrate its role as a nation that can increasingly participate in regional and international issues.

According to Director Choi Sing Kwok of the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (Singapore), serving as a non-permanent member of the UNSC enables Viet Nam to demonstrate its leadership role globally and of course will bring about benefits for ASEAN. ASEAN’s stance, views and central role will be expressed in the international arena.

A strong boost for growth and exports

Promoting compliance with the UN Charter and strengthening cooperation between the UN and ASEAN were among important activities of the UNSC in January 2020.

Executive Director at Asia Center Dr. Robin Ramcharanexpressed his hopes that Viet Nam will succeed in the role of ASEAN Chair and non-permanent member of UNSC in 2020, as Viet Nam is an economy with a strong growth rate and numerous resources. Regardless of barriers from the U.S.-China trade war, Asian countries are expected to continue growing strongly this year. 

In particular, Viet Nam is hoped to become one of the fastest growing Asian economies in 2020 with a rate of 6.7%. in addition to processing, Viet Nam has now been shifting to producing higher value-added products, such as electronics. 

The Straits Times quoted Thai experts as saying that Viet Nam’s exports will outperform the rest of Southeast Asia in 2020. “Production and exports are likely to improve in 2020, when factories of foreign direct investors coming to Viet Nam from last year start operations and generate real output.”