The event brought together representatives from the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, leaders of Da Nang, ambassadors, consuls-general, senior officials, businesses, and organisations from 10 member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and their partners.

In his opening speech, Chairman of the Da Nang City People's Committee Le Trung Chinh said that the event was a significant diplomatic event celebrating the 30th anniversary of Vietnam's accession to ASEAN (1995-2025) and in response to the 32nd ASEAN-New Zealand Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM) and the 4th ASEAN-UK SOM in Da Nang.

For three decades, Vietnam has made important contributions to strengthening solidarity and development within the ASEAN Community. The relationship between Vietnam and ASEAN is entering a period of robust growth, marked by increasing political trust, expanding socio-economic cooperation, and deeper regional connectivity, he said.

Chinh noted that Da Nang has established friendly and cooperative relations with 50 localities worldwide, including nine in three ASEAN member countries - Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand. The city is also an attractive destination for ASEAN businesses, particularly in the fields of real estate, manufacturing, trade, and education. It has pioneered in developing an international integration and cooperation plan until 2030.

The official said along with implementing specific policies and incentives assigned by the government, Da Nang aims to build a free trade zone and become a regional financial centre, focusing on strategic areas such as science-technology, innovation, digital infrastructure, semiconductor, and artificial intelligence.

He said Meet ASEAN in Da Nang 2025 is expected to enhance connectivity and expand the network of cooperative relations with various localities and partners in the ASEAN region. Promoting connections with ASEAN localities aligns with the strategic direction of the city and deepens Da Nang's role in regional and international integration, Chinh emphasised.

Appreciating the initiative of the municipal People's Committee in organising the event, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet affirmed that amid the complex developments in the world, this meeting was even more significant for seeking cooperation opportunities.

It was an occasion for participants to share visions, ideas, and action plans; seek new opportunities and partners; enhance governance capacity, scientific and technological advancement; promote trade, attract investment, and expand cooperation.

Hung said the event was also an important opportunity for Da Nang to promote itself as an ideal destination for international investors, including ASEAN countries and partners.

At the opening ceremony, the Da Nang City People's Committee donated US$10,000, while the Da Nang Tourism Association gave VND75 million (over US$2,880) to support Myanmar to overcome the aftermaths of the March 28 earthquake.

Meet ASEAN in Da Nang 2025 will run until April 11, featuring key activities such as discussion sessions aimed at enhancing international cooperation, trade, investment, and tourism between Da Nang and ASEAN partners; bilateral meetings between Da Nang city's leaders and ambassadors from Malaysia and Thailand, and the Myanmar Chargé d'Affaires, as well as ASEAN organisations and businesses; and cultural exchanges among ASEAN nations.

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