Vietnam and ASEAN: Boosting cooperation and sustainable development

Vietnam officially joined the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on July 28, 1995, marking a significant milestone in the country's regional and international integration journey.

At a roundtable meeting, entitled "C asean Vietnam Group Sharing 2024: Vietnam in ASEAN," hosted by C asean Vietnam in Hanoi on December 20, experts highlighted that Vietnam has affirmed its role as a proactive, responsible member of ASEAN, making substantial contributions to its overall development over the past nearly three decades.

According to speakers, the country has played a crucial role in ASEAN’s initiatives and cooperation mechanisms, particularly in security, economy, culture, and sustainable development, with three times holding the  ASEAN Chairmanship (in 1998, 2010, and 2020), leaving a strong mark in promoting intra-bloc unity and enhancing ASEAN's international stature.

In 2024, trade between Vietnam and ASEAN have consistently achieved positive results. According to figures from General Department of Vietnam Customs, in the first 11 months of 2024, total import-export turnover between the two sides reached $76.3 billion, up 13.9 per cent compared to the same period last year. In which, Vietnam’s exports to ASEAN amounted to $33.8 billion, while imports reached $42.4 billion.

Regarding investment, ASEAN countries invested $9.52 billion in Vietnam in the first 11 months of 2024, up 51.1 per cent year-on-year. Singapore led ASEAN in terms of investment capital poured into Vietnam in the period, with a total of $9.13 billion, followed by Thailand with $178.52 million and Malaysia with $159.98 million.

Commenting on the special relationship between Vietnam and ASEAN, Mr. Pham Quang Vinh, former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Former ASEAN SOM Leader of Vietnam, noted that 2025 will mark the 30^th anniversary of Vietnam’s ASEAN membership.

"Vietnam has always been proactive and active in adjusting policies in alignment with ASEAN's vision to build a peaceful, prosperous, and united region," Mr. Vinh said.

Beyond economic collaboration, environmental cooperation is also a crucial and prominent element in Vietnam-ASEAN relationship. Over the past nearly 30 years, Vietnam has actively participated in various ASEAN community activities such as the ASEAN Working Group on Environmentally Sustainable Cities (AWGESC), the ASEAN Working Group on Chemicals and Waste (AWGCW), and the ASEAN Working Group on Coastal and Marine Environment (AWGCME) and ASEAN Blue Economy Innovation project.

Mr. Le Ngoc Tuan, Director General of the International Cooperation Department, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, also shared about notable cooperation activities in environmental protection implemented between Vietnam and other ASEAN countries.

“Efforts in environmental protection not only demonstrate shared responsibility but also form an important foundation that makes the cooperation picture between Vietnam and ASEAN more comprehensive and profound,” Mr. Tuan said.

Additionally, Vietnam has actively promoted cultural exchanges, educational cooperation, and youth collaboration within ASEAN to strengthen connectivity and solidarity among ASEAN member countries. Ms. Nguyen Phuong Hoa, Director of the International Cooperation Department, Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, highlighted Vietnam’s proactive and deep integration into the ASEAN community

“Throughout this process, Vietnam and other ASEAN countries have jointly implemented many cooperation projects, from cultural heritage conservation, film development, performing arts, etc. These efforts not only foster sustainable development but also contribute to building deep friendships among ASEAN nations,” Ms. Hoa shared.

Along with that, one of the key factors in enhancing cooperation efficiency within the ASEAN region is the role of Vietnam's embassies in member countries. Sharing his thoughts on this issue, Mr. Phan Chi Thanh, former Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand, emphasized that Vietnam's embassies in ASEAN countries not only serve as trade connectors but also as vital bridges in promoting cultural exchange and fostering mutual understanding among ASEAN nations.

Mr. Thanh  shared about Vietnam Town in Udon Thani, Thailand - the first Vietnam Town in the world.