Addressing delegates, Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son affirmed that ASEAN is one of the world’s most dynamic and resilient economic regions, and aims to become the fourth-largest economy globally by 2030.

He stressed that ASEAN’s next phase of growth should be anchored in industrial transformation, digital innovation and green development, with the digital economy, artificial intelligence and energy transition playing a central role in boosting productivity and competitiveness.

Against this backdrop, the Deputy PM proposed several priority areas for enhanced ASEAN cooperation.

He called for the development of trusted regional frameworks for digital identity, data governance and cybersecurity to reduce fragmentation, facilitate cross-border digital trade and foster innovation across the region. He urged ASEAN to strengthen linked industrial clusters, promote technology transfer and skills development, and enhance the bloc’s position in regional and global value chains.

The Vietnamese diplomat emphasised the importance of sustainable and transition finance, encouraging ASEAN to mobilise private-sector capital more effectively to support green growth and climate-resilient development. In addition, he highlighted the need to accelerate the development of the ASEAN Power Grid and expand cross-border clean electricity trade to enhance energy security and promote inclusive growth.

The Deputy PM also reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to fast, inclusive and sustainable growth, underpinned by institutional reform, digital transformation and a shift toward a low-carbon economy. He reiterated the country’s target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, while expressing d readiness to work closely with ASEAN members and international partners for shared prosperity.

The World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026 was held in Davos, Switzerland, from January 19–23 under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue.” The event brought together nearly 3,000 leaders from more than 130 countries, including around 60 heads of state and government, senior officials of international organisations, ministers, central bank governors, and executives from leading global corporations.

Over four days, the forum hosted more than 400 sessions focusing on cooperation in a fragmented world, unlocking new sources of growth, responsible innovation, sustainable development and investment in people.

On the sidelines of the meeting, the Vietnamese delegation led by Deputy PM Bui Thanh Son held a series of bilateral engagements with leaders of the WEF, senior Swiss officials, representatives from Cambodia, and executives of major international corporations, including Allianz SE and JTI. Partners welcomed Vietnam’s development achievements and pledged to expand long-term cooperation and investment.

A series of events were jointly organised by the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, the Da Nang City People’s Committee and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to showcase Vietnam’s international financial centre to global partners and investors.

The events highlighted Vietnam’s special policy mechanisms, competitive advantages and emerging investment opportunities, with a focus on mobilising high-quality resources, green and digital finance, and innovation-driven capital. These efforts aim to enhance the country’s national competitiveness, support sustainable development, and strengthen integration with global capital flows, knowledge networks and international standards, in line with the country’s long-term goals of becoming a high-income developing economy by 2030 and a developed economy by 2045.

Vietnam joins Gaza Peace Council as founding member at WEF in Davos

VOV.VN - A Vietnamese delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son attended the signing ceremony of the Gaza Peace Council Charter on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, on January 22.