Speaking at an ASEAN - GCC- China summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on May 27 as part of the 46th ASEAN Summit and related meetings, Chinh described this initiative as a launchpad for economic collaboration between ASEAN, GCC, and China to reach new heights.

The Vietnamese PM welcomed the initiative to organise the first meeting of the three of the world’s major economic engines, aimed at strengthening coordination, and creating a new strategic space for cooperation toward a future of shared prosperity, inclusivity, and sustainability.

He emphasised that cooperation should focus on trade, investment, and supply chain connectivity, while avoiding the politicisation of science, technology, investment, and development. He called for the effective use of existing cooperation frameworks such as the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA), promotion of negotiations for a comprehensive FTA between ASEAN and the GCC, and exploration of the possibility of building a comprehensive trilateral ASEAN-GCC-China free trade agreement.

The Prime Minister also prioritised strategic and breakthrough areas of cooperation, saying with ASEAN close to finalising its Digital Economy Framework Agreement, this is a “golden moment” to jointly build a safe, sustainable, and interconnected digital space. He called for more efforts to accelerate ASEAN Power Grid Interconnection, advancr green technologies, renewable energy, green hydrogen, and build a sustainable agricultural and food system, including smart, circular, and ecological farming, as well as a stable Halal food supply chain.

He expressed his confidence that such strategic directions would lay the groundwork for thriving tourism, cultural exchanges, and civilizational connectivity among the three regions, thereby building a solid foundation for deep, comprehensive, and long-term partnerships between ASEAN, the GCC, and China.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to working as a trusted bridge and responsible partner, and standing ready to cooperate and contribute to peace, stability, and shared prosperity for the people and countries of ASEAN, the GCC, and China.

Vietnam suggests new-generation cooperation model between ASEAN and GCC

VOV.VN - The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) should form a new-generation inter-regional cooperation model to leverage their complementary strengths and establish a foundation for sustainable development cooperation.