Asia needs new cooperation framework to survive COVID-19 pandemic

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh delivers a speech at the 26th International Conference on The Future of Asia, Ha Noi, May 20, 2021 - Photo : VGP/Nhat Bac

The Vietnamese Government chief made the above statement at the 26^th International Conference on the Future of Asia, which was held virtually on May 20 with the attendance of other ASEAN leaders like Cambodian PM Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith, Malaysian PM Muhyiddin Yassin, Thai PM Prayut Chan-ocha, and Singaporean Deputy PM and Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat.

From that perspective, Pham suggested Asia focus cooperation on:

(i) Developing strategic and high-quality infrastructure to stimulate economic growth in the short term and create breakthroughs for the long run; 

(ii) Accelerating fair and effective economic integration and connectivity process to ensure trade and investment flows as well as the global supply chain; 

(iii) Strengthening science and technology cooperation in which digital technologies and digital transformation should play a pivotal role in Asia’s development in post-COVID-19 era;

(iv) Promoting sustainable and effective green growth right after the pandemic is over;

(v) Enhancing collaboration in fighting COVID-19 and improving the capacity of public healthcare and social welfare systems, and in handling future health challenges;

(vi) Ensuring a peaceful and stable international environment conducive to cooperation and development as it is the prerequisite for post-pandemic recovery and prosperous development.

As the COVID-19 pandemic has created profound, vigorous and unpredictable impacts on all countries, it is high time for all countries to shelve divergences and differences to work together in overcoming the pandemic, said PM Pham, adding that this special plight requires strong and drastic solutions.

In the current context, countries should make responsible contributions, respect each other and engage in equal and mutually beneficial cooperation. Disputes and differences related to the East Sea issue must be settled via peaceful measures in accordance with law, especially the United Nations Charter and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

He called for full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), work closely together to formulate an effective Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC), maintain peace, cooperation and development in the region and ensure freedom of navigation and avigation in the East Sea.

Pham affirmed Viet Nam’s responsible engagement and readiness to work with countries to foster peace, stability, development and solidarity for common benefits as well as for prosperity of each country and the region and for well-being of all people around the world.

Pham took the occasion to express thanks to regional countries, including Japan for offering assistance to Viet Nam over the past time, especially their assistance for COVID-19 fight and overcoming the consequences of national disasters.

He also briefed about Viet Nam’s major development guidelines, including its commitment to continuing the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification and multi-lateralization of external relations, building an independent economy, and beefing up innovation and digitalization.

The Future of Asia is an international gathering where political, economic and academic leaders from the Asia-Pacific region offer their opinions frankly and freely on regional issues and the role of Asia in the world./.

By Kim Loan