In the speech, the PM expresseshis delight at the opening of the CAEXPO 17 and the China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit on theoccasion of the 10th anniversary of the ASEAN – China Free TradeArea and the China – ASEAN Year of Digital Economy Cooperation, which contributeto trade and growth of both sides.
Hecongratulates Party General Secretary and President of China Xi Jinping, andthe Government and people of China on overcoming difficulties caused by the COVID-19pandemic and reaping outstanding economic achievements. He also lauds China forsharing its experience in fighting the pandemic and supporting countries inneed.
According tohim, the ASEAN – China cooperation still maintains a positive growth,especially in economy and trade. China has been ASEAN’s largest trade partnerfor 10 consecutive years. In the first six months of this year, ASEAN becameChina’s largest trade partner for the first time with a bilateral turnover of300 billion USD, 20 percent of which was contributed by Vietnam.
Amid theCOVID-19 pandemic, ASEAN and China have been one of a few pairs of partnersworldwide to post positive growth since early this year.
PM Phucstresses that in 2020 when Vietnam serves as ASEAN Chair, the bloc continuesstrengthening solidarity and unity, drastically responding to the pandemic, whileeffectively cooperating with partners and solidifying its central role inregional security issues in line with the theme “Cohesive and Responsive”. Herecalls that during the 37th ASEAN Summit held in November, 10 ASEANmember states and five partner countries, including China, signed the RegionalComprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), creating a major market with a 2.2billion population and a GDP of 26.2 trillion USD.
The PM saysVietnam is working for the dual goal of fighting the pandemic and restoring theeconomy via many measures, including participating in many free tradeagreements such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement forTrans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the European Union – Vietnam Free TradeAgreement (EVFTA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
He notesthat Vietnam has always boasting the largest number of exhibitors and stalls atall CAEXPO editions so far. He adds that Vietnam will keep its online showuntil the end of the year, offering more opportunities for businesses.
On theoccasion of the 70th anniversary of the Vietnam – China diplomaticties this year, he says Vietnamese Party General Secretary and President NguyenPhu Trong and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping have held two phone talks tooutline major orientations to deepening the bilateral neighbourliness andcomprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.
PM Phucunderlines that Vietnam and other ASEAN member states are working towards theASEAN Community Vision 2025, expanding collaboration with China on the basis ofthe United Nations Charter and international law and mutual benefits,contributing to peace, stability and prosperity in the region and the world./.