Vietnam actively contributes to ASEAN connectivity

Vietnam has made significant contributions to promoting collaboration in the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community, one of the three pillars in the ASEAN Community.

This was concluded at the preliminary conference on Project 161 which looks to implement and achieve the goals laid out by the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community until 2025 held in Ho Chi Minh City on August 10.

The event, held by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids, and Social Affairs (MoLISA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aims to highlight ASEAN’s activities and Vietnam’s efforts after joining the bloc while sharing experience in implementing the project to take advantage of regional priority.

According to Nguyen Manh Cuong, Director of the MoLISA’s Department of International Cooperation, the establishment of ASEAN Community, with three pillars of Political-Security Community, Economic Community, and Socio-Cultural Community, is a hallmark to elevate cooperation within the ASEAN to a new height. Also, the ASEAN Community requires tireless efforts from member states to ensure a peaceful environment for a combined population of 630 million people.

He noticed that after joining in the bloc, Vietnam has recommended a line-up of initiatives, which are all practical to bolster cooperation and connection within the ASEAN. As a responsible member, the country has accompanied the ASEAN to settle regional complex issues and global challenges which threaten regional and global peace, security and sustainability.

The country has fully and effectively carried out commitments and agreements to build an ASEAN Community of strength, unity and connectivity, he stressed.

According to MoLISA, the national master plan on ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community has brought benefits to local people as it has been made in companion with improvement in institutional capacity, and reform in administrative procedures.

Therefore, relevant authorities need to pay heed to communication work to raise public awareness of the ASEAN and the benefits it has brought, and expand policies on social security, healthcare and education.

Phan Thao Nguyen, Director of the MIC’s Department of International Cooperation, said that the conference gave an insight into ASEAN communication plan in regional and national levels, as well as highlight the bloc’s challenges and opportunities.

Participants at the event evaluated the implementation of the master plan and Project 161 in Vietnam, updated ASEAN’s media plan and communication works for 2020 when Vietnam holds the ASEAN Chairmanship.

VNA