An overview of the plenary session (Photo: VNA)PM LeeHsien Loong underlined the theme of ASEAN in 2018, which aims to build aresilient and innovative ASEAN.
Under thetheme, ASEAN member countries will work together to implement cooperationorientations defined in the ASEAN Leaders’ Vision for a Resilient andInnovative ASEAN, building a network of smart cities and enhancing cybersecurity cooperation in ASEAN.
ASEANleaders expressed support of the ASEAN 2018 theme and stressed that resilienceand innovation have been the foundation for ASEAN’s stable growth over the pasthalf a century.
They saidit would also be a firm pillar for the association’s continued development inthe context of rapid and complicated developments in regional and internationalsituations along with new opportunities brought about by the 4.0 industrial revolution.
The leadersengaged in in-depth discussion on the directions for ASEAN cooperation andlinkages in priority fields, noting the need to strengthen intra-bloc partnershipin economics, trade, investment; and expand regional economic links andcooperation with partners.
They alsoagreed to continue efforts to foster a favourable business environment andsupport small- and medium-sized enterprises and startups, develop regionalconnectivity and narrow the development gap in the region.
The leadersreached consensus on promoting people-centred cooperation through enhancingcapacity to tackle challenges posed by terrorism and trans-national crime,ensure cyber security, invest in education, encourage dynamic youth developmentand support the old.
Highlightinginnovation-based development, the leaders held that ASEAN should optimize benefitsof the 4.0 revolution by promoting the application of new technologies, especiallyin developing the digital economy, expanding e-commerce, increasing the people’saccess to information and building smart cities.
Sharing theASEAN leaders’ view, PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc appreciated the theme and prioritiesof ASEAN 2018 proposed by Chair Singapore.
He affirmedthat ASEAN’s collective resilient capacity should be fostered and brought intoplay in all three pillars, with maintaining the bloc’s solidarity, unity andcentral role having significant meaning.
Meanwhile,innovation will be the lever to enhance ASEAN’s Resilience, Phuc said.
TheVietnamese PM took the occasion to announce that Vietnamhas selected its three top cities – Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and DaNang – to join the ASEAN Smart Cities Networkinitiative.
He invitedASEAN leaders to attend the World Economic Forum on ASEAN (WEF-ASEAN) slated tobe held in Vietnamin September this year.
PM Phuc andother ASEAN leaders are scheduled to attend the opening session and the retreatmeeting of the 32nd ASEAN Summit on April 28. -VNA
VNA
