Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc speaks at the opening ceremony of the 2018 World Economic Forum on ASEAN (Source: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) - Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has written an article on the occasion of the 2018 World Economic Forum on ASEAN (WEF-ASEAN 2018) which is taking place in Hanoi from September 11-13.
The full text of the article runs as follows:
THE2018 WEF-ASEAN – TO JOIN HANDS IN BUILDING THEASEAN COMMUNITY IN THE FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION ERA
The world is changing rapidly,driven by the shifts in globalization and the tremendous leaps of science,technology and the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Against such backdrops, theASEAN countries are making every effort to overcome challenges and harnessopportunities for development in order to realize the 2025 ASEAN CommunityVision, for the establishment of a strong ASEAN Community that shall furtheruphold its central role in regional mechanisms.
As the host country for the 2018World Economic Forum (WEF) on ASEAN Summit (2018 WEF-ASEAN), it is Viet Nam'scrucial responsibility to work together with WEF and ASEAN members to discussissues pertinent to their national development in the midst of the FourthIndustrial Revolution. Such discourse shall help realize the 2025 ASEAN Vision,in the interest and for the development of the entire region at large and eachcountry individually, thus contributing to the common prosperity of the regionand the world.
Along with other major multilateralforums and conferences held in Viet Nam in the 2016-2020 period, the hosting ofthe present 2018 WEF-ASEAN is yet another step towards realizing the foreignpolicy orientation set by the 12th Congress of the Party, theResolution of the Party Central Committee and the Directive of the Secretariaton uplifting multilateral diplomacy to a new height: “to improve the qualityand effectiveness of multilateral diplomacy, actively contribute to thebuilding and shaping of multilateral institutions.”
To join hands in building theASEAN Community
ASEAN is faced with enormousopportunities for economic development and integration thanks to ever moreextensive and intensive globalization and the rapid spread of the FourthIndustrial Revolution, particularly digital technology, the Internet of Things,artificial intelligence and Big Data. Against this backdrop, Viet Nam hasactively worked with WEF and ASEAN countries in identifying the theme for the2018 WEF-ASEAN: “ASEAN 4.0: Entrepreneurship and the Fourth Industrial Revolution”.This theme is not only in line with the development trend of the world, but isalso integral to and complements the ASEAN theme for 2018: towards a “resilientand innovative” ASEAN Community, satisfying the common interest and benefits ofcountries in ASEAN and the region at large.
In the spirit of constructivenessand mutually-beneficial cooperation, we shall – along with countries in ASEANand the region, the Forum's and the world's leading multinational corporations,and Vietnamese enterprises – discuss and suggest ideas, visions andorientations for the development and integration of ASEAN countries in thecontext of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Namely:
First, to seek and createnew dynamism associated with the Fourth Industrial Revolution, to foster more sustainable, innovative andinclusive growth by promoting reforms, stimulating the potential for innovationwithin businesses and the people, and developing such high-quality humanresource and other prerequisites that is adaptive to the new technologicalenvironment of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and meet the needs ofdevelopment and ever broader and deeper integration.
Second, to advance integrationand connectivity within ASEAN as well as between ASEAN and the region andthe world, through promoting digital connectivity, digital commerce, financialtechnology (fintech), value chain connectivity, quality and cohesiveinfrastructure, high-tech agriculture and a variety of other areas, so as tomaintain the dynamic growth of ASEAN economies.
Third, to reinforce ASEANcentrality within the region, enhance resilience and adaptability in theface of global and regional volatility, promote innovation and raise theeffectiveness of cooperation, thereby bringing about more practical benefits topeople and businesses.
The 2018 WEF-ASEAN is not only anexpression of Viet Nam's responsible role and contribution to ASEAN, but alsoan affirmation of Viet Nam's strategic vision in foreign policy and development.It is a strategic vision by the Party and State, to build an action-oriented,development-enabling government of integrity in service of the people andbusinesses, to place the people and businesses at the center of development,and to vigorously encourage entrepreneurship, creativity and the dynamism ofthe people and businesses.
To further strengthen and raisethe status of the nation
The 2018 WEF-ASEAN in Viet Namhas been able to gather a large number of high-level leaders of ASEAN countriesand its partners, as well as some 1,000 representatives from multinationalcorporations and ASEAN and global businesses, and around 800 Vietnamesecompanies. This is a solid testimony to the ever-growing role, credibility andstatus that Viet Nam enjoys within ASEAN, the region and the world, buildingupon the successes of the 2017 APEC Year and the 6th GreaterMekong Sub-region Summit (GMS-6) in Marchthis year. It is also proof of Viet Nam's attractiveness and the trust that theglobal business community and international investors vest in the developmentprospects of Viet Nam. It is also a manifestation of Viet Nam's new status andpower after 30 years of reform, exhibiting Viet Nam's pro-activity and“stature” in international integration as well as in constructing and shapingthe regional and global economy.
Under the leadership of the FoundingChairman Professor Klaus Schwab, WEF has been the cradle for many new andinnovative development ideas of global strategic relevance. As a focal pointthat has garnered special attention throughout the region, the 2018 WEF-ASEANis an opportunity for us to convey a message to the international businesscommunity about the policy and resolve of the Vietnamese Party and State ofcomprehensive national reforms and active international integration. We shallalso broadcast an image of a peace-loving Vietnamese nation that enjoyspolitical and social stability, a Vietnamese economy that is dynamic, open andrapidly growing, and a trustworthy, sincere and responsible partner for theregion and the world.
The 2018 WEF-ASEAN shall also be achance for us to deepen relations with a wide range of countries and partners,including neighboring countries and strategic and key partners. This is achannel to strengthen the network of open, multilateralized and diversifiedforeign relations, thus benefiting our national security and developmentinterests, and promoting our national credibility and prestige in theinternational arena.
To bring about real benefits tobusinesses and people
Exploring the theme of “ASEAN4.0: Entrepreneurship and the Fourth Industrial Revolution” through 60sessions, the Forum shall focus on the discourse and recommendation of ideas,orientations and policies to invigorate the potential, creativity and dynamismof businesses and people, towards building a people-centered, dynamic, strongand prosperous ASEAN Community. In particular, a wide range of practical topicsshall be covered in great depth: innovation, startup, new business models, thedevelopment of the digital economy, digital know-how and literacy, training andaddressing employment challenges, narrowing the development gap and sustainablepoverty reduction.
Of the nearly 1,000 internationalbusinesses participating, many are among the top 500 corporations in the world,who possess vast financial, technological and managerial capacity. By seeingfor themselves in Viet Nam, the growth of our country, the determination andeffort to build our enabling Government and improve the investment climate, thebusiness atmosphere full of vitality here in Viet Nam, and the Vietnamesepeople, who are friendly, hospitable, open, dynamic, creative and endowed withan unbreakable aspiration and will to rise, we shall encourage them to step upnetworking and cooperation with and investment into Viet Nam through a diversevariety of plans and projects, that shall better harness the opportunities ofthe Fourth Industrial Revolution. Cooperation with these multinationalcorporations shall be an opportunity and driver for Vietnamese businesses, daringthem to think big and do big to raise competitiveness, quality and efficiency,and aim for the open seas.
The 2018 WEF-ASEAN shall include awide range of events, including the Open Forum on Innovative Startup, the VietNam Business Summit, the Viet Nam Cultural Soirée, national and provincial exhibitions,the latter organized by a number of provinces: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nangand Quang Ninh to name a few. These events are an opportunity for our agencies,sectors, localities and businesses to promote exchange, cooperation andnetworking with major corporations and regional and international enterprises,with an aim to expanding markets and enhancing the quality of investment,technology and tourism attraction, and harnessing external resources fordevelopment.
** *
Given the new status and power ofthe country after more than 30 years of reform, the support from friends andpartners, as well as the joint efforts from all levels, sectors, the businesscommunity and people, the 2018 WEF-ASEAN Summit shall undoubtedly be a success.This shall bring about real benefits to all involved, in the interest ofcooperation, development and prosperity in ASEAN, the region and the world.
The success of the 2018 WEF-ASEANshall continue to breathe new life and create new drivers for internationalintegration, thus contributing to the affirmation of Viet Nam's role, statusand active contributions in ASEAN and the region. It shall stir national prideand exhort the spirit of self-reliance and the aspiration to rise to thechallenge, to build a socialist Viet Nam whose people are well off, whose nationis mighty, who shall enjoy democracy, equality and modernity./.
The world is changing rapidly,driven by the shifts in globalization and the tremendous leaps of science,technology and the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Against such backdrops, theASEAN countries are making every effort to overcome challenges and harnessopportunities for development in order to realize the 2025 ASEAN CommunityVision, for the establishment of a strong ASEAN Community that shall furtheruphold its central role in regional mechanisms.
As the host country for the 2018World Economic Forum (WEF) on ASEAN Summit (2018 WEF-ASEAN), it is Viet Nam'scrucial responsibility to work together with WEF and ASEAN members to discussissues pertinent to their national development in the midst of the FourthIndustrial Revolution. Such discourse shall help realize the 2025 ASEAN Vision,in the interest and for the development of the entire region at large and eachcountry individually, thus contributing to the common prosperity of the regionand the world.
Along with other major multilateralforums and conferences held in Viet Nam in the 2016-2020 period, the hosting ofthe present 2018 WEF-ASEAN is yet another step towards realizing the foreignpolicy orientation set by the 12th Congress of the Party, theResolution of the Party Central Committee and the Directive of the Secretariaton uplifting multilateral diplomacy to a new height: “to improve the qualityand effectiveness of multilateral diplomacy, actively contribute to thebuilding and shaping of multilateral institutions.”
To join hands in building theASEAN Community
ASEAN is faced with enormousopportunities for economic development and integration thanks to ever moreextensive and intensive globalization and the rapid spread of the FourthIndustrial Revolution, particularly digital technology, the Internet of Things,artificial intelligence and Big Data. Against this backdrop, Viet Nam hasactively worked with WEF and ASEAN countries in identifying the theme for the2018 WEF-ASEAN: “ASEAN 4.0: Entrepreneurship and the Fourth Industrial Revolution”.This theme is not only in line with the development trend of the world, but isalso integral to and complements the ASEAN theme for 2018: towards a “resilientand innovative” ASEAN Community, satisfying the common interest and benefits ofcountries in ASEAN and the region at large.
In the spirit of constructivenessand mutually-beneficial cooperation, we shall – along with countries in ASEANand the region, the Forum's and the world's leading multinational corporations,and Vietnamese enterprises – discuss and suggest ideas, visions andorientations for the development and integration of ASEAN countries in thecontext of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Namely:
First, to seek and createnew dynamism associated with the Fourth Industrial Revolution, to foster more sustainable, innovative andinclusive growth by promoting reforms, stimulating the potential for innovationwithin businesses and the people, and developing such high-quality humanresource and other prerequisites that is adaptive to the new technologicalenvironment of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and meet the needs ofdevelopment and ever broader and deeper integration.
Second, to advance integrationand connectivity within ASEAN as well as between ASEAN and the region andthe world, through promoting digital connectivity, digital commerce, financialtechnology (fintech), value chain connectivity, quality and cohesiveinfrastructure, high-tech agriculture and a variety of other areas, so as tomaintain the dynamic growth of ASEAN economies.
Third, to reinforce ASEANcentrality within the region, enhance resilience and adaptability in theface of global and regional volatility, promote innovation and raise theeffectiveness of cooperation, thereby bringing about more practical benefits topeople and businesses.
The 2018 WEF-ASEAN is not only anexpression of Viet Nam's responsible role and contribution to ASEAN, but alsoan affirmation of Viet Nam's strategic vision in foreign policy and development.It is a strategic vision by the Party and State, to build an action-oriented,development-enabling government of integrity in service of the people andbusinesses, to place the people and businesses at the center of development,and to vigorously encourage entrepreneurship, creativity and the dynamism ofthe people and businesses.
To further strengthen and raisethe status of the nation
The 2018 WEF-ASEAN in Viet Namhas been able to gather a large number of high-level leaders of ASEAN countriesand its partners, as well as some 1,000 representatives from multinationalcorporations and ASEAN and global businesses, and around 800 Vietnamesecompanies. This is a solid testimony to the ever-growing role, credibility andstatus that Viet Nam enjoys within ASEAN, the region and the world, buildingupon the successes of the 2017 APEC Year and the 6th GreaterMekong Sub-region Summit (GMS-6) in Marchthis year. It is also proof of Viet Nam's attractiveness and the trust that theglobal business community and international investors vest in the developmentprospects of Viet Nam. It is also a manifestation of Viet Nam's new status andpower after 30 years of reform, exhibiting Viet Nam's pro-activity and“stature” in international integration as well as in constructing and shapingthe regional and global economy.
Under the leadership of the FoundingChairman Professor Klaus Schwab, WEF has been the cradle for many new andinnovative development ideas of global strategic relevance. As a focal pointthat has garnered special attention throughout the region, the 2018 WEF-ASEANis an opportunity for us to convey a message to the international businesscommunity about the policy and resolve of the Vietnamese Party and State ofcomprehensive national reforms and active international integration. We shallalso broadcast an image of a peace-loving Vietnamese nation that enjoyspolitical and social stability, a Vietnamese economy that is dynamic, open andrapidly growing, and a trustworthy, sincere and responsible partner for theregion and the world.
The 2018 WEF-ASEAN shall also be achance for us to deepen relations with a wide range of countries and partners,including neighboring countries and strategic and key partners. This is achannel to strengthen the network of open, multilateralized and diversifiedforeign relations, thus benefiting our national security and developmentinterests, and promoting our national credibility and prestige in theinternational arena.
To bring about real benefits tobusinesses and people
Exploring the theme of “ASEAN4.0: Entrepreneurship and the Fourth Industrial Revolution” through 60sessions, the Forum shall focus on the discourse and recommendation of ideas,orientations and policies to invigorate the potential, creativity and dynamismof businesses and people, towards building a people-centered, dynamic, strongand prosperous ASEAN Community. In particular, a wide range of practical topicsshall be covered in great depth: innovation, startup, new business models, thedevelopment of the digital economy, digital know-how and literacy, training andaddressing employment challenges, narrowing the development gap and sustainablepoverty reduction.
Of the nearly 1,000 internationalbusinesses participating, many are among the top 500 corporations in the world,who possess vast financial, technological and managerial capacity. By seeingfor themselves in Viet Nam, the growth of our country, the determination andeffort to build our enabling Government and improve the investment climate, thebusiness atmosphere full of vitality here in Viet Nam, and the Vietnamesepeople, who are friendly, hospitable, open, dynamic, creative and endowed withan unbreakable aspiration and will to rise, we shall encourage them to step upnetworking and cooperation with and investment into Viet Nam through a diversevariety of plans and projects, that shall better harness the opportunities ofthe Fourth Industrial Revolution. Cooperation with these multinationalcorporations shall be an opportunity and driver for Vietnamese businesses, daringthem to think big and do big to raise competitiveness, quality and efficiency,and aim for the open seas.
The 2018 WEF-ASEAN shall include awide range of events, including the Open Forum on Innovative Startup, the VietNam Business Summit, the Viet Nam Cultural Soirée, national and provincial exhibitions,the latter organized by a number of provinces: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nangand Quang Ninh to name a few. These events are an opportunity for our agencies,sectors, localities and businesses to promote exchange, cooperation andnetworking with major corporations and regional and international enterprises,with an aim to expanding markets and enhancing the quality of investment,technology and tourism attraction, and harnessing external resources fordevelopment.
** *
Given the new status and power ofthe country after more than 30 years of reform, the support from friends andpartners, as well as the joint efforts from all levels, sectors, the businesscommunity and people, the 2018 WEF-ASEAN Summit shall undoubtedly be a success.This shall bring about real benefits to all involved, in the interest ofcooperation, development and prosperity in ASEAN, the region and the world.
The success of the 2018 WEF-ASEANshall continue to breathe new life and create new drivers for internationalintegration, thus contributing to the affirmation of Viet Nam's role, statusand active contributions in ASEAN and the region. It shall stir national prideand exhort the spirit of self-reliance and the aspiration to rise to thechallenge, to build a socialist Viet Nam whose people are well off, whose nationis mighty, who shall enjoy democracy, equality and modernity./.
VNA
