Gov’t reports ASEAN Community to NA

Deputy PM Minh affirmed that the establishment of the Community is not an event, but a process which contributes to elevating ASEAN’s position and central role in the region; a strategic step and a historical milestone in regional connectivity, creating new impulse for the bloc to turn into a new development phase.

However, the Community, which is unified in diversity, has a higher level of connectivity than an association, but not as close as the European Union and not a supernational organization, Deputy PM Minh said.

He noted that Vietnam’s participation in ASEAN is a sound strategic step of the Party and State, making an important milestone in the country’s international integration as the bloc is the first breakthrough for the country to realize the foreign policy of diversification and multilateralization of external relations.

He said that joining the bloc has brought in important and practical benefits, especially contributing to ensuring a peaceful and stable environment for national construction and defence, improving integration capacity, creating positive changes in building and improving the country’s policies, laws and proceduces in line with international standards.

Vietnam has achieved important results during the 30-year renewal process with a new position and strength, being a proactive and responsible member of ASEAN, having diplomatic ties with most of the countries around the world and establishing the strategic and comprehensive partnership with many countries, including key powers.

Meanwhile, Vietnam has prepared and is capable of regional and international integration with the legal system compatible to requirements of integration.

However, maintaining solidarity and unity within the bloc is a vital issue when the regional and international situation is developing in a complicated manner, Deputy PM Minh stressed.

In addition, Vietnam may face fierce competition and disadvantages without thorough preparations as the country’s development is not equal to that of several other ASEAN member countries, Minh said.

He expressed his deep concern about awareness of people and businesses about the ASEAN community as 70% of businesses have not fully understood about the Community.

To address the issues, Deputy PM Minh suggested the NA work closely with relevant agencies and ministries to promote Vietnam’s interests in taking part in activities of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly while coordinating with ASEAN member countries’ parliaments in supporting government agencies, people organizations and businesses to build a closely linked and strong bloc.

The country’s legal system should be improved to facilitate regional and international integration while ASEAN agreements and commitments should be included in national programs on socio-economic development, he said.

Communication should also be boosted to help people understand practical interests from ASEAN cooperative activities, he added.