The seminar was organised by the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia, the Asian Centre for 21^st century vision, Harvard University, the Central Institute for Economic Management and Research and the Ministry of Planning and Investment.

It attracted more than 200 foreign and domestic delegates, international organisations and ASEAN Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan who will propose policies and plans for co-operation and development to deal with regional challenges.

The seminar focused on practical issues, such as Asia and the global economy, how to increase Asia’s average income and improve its social welfare network and measures to cope with natural disasters, energy security and climate change. These issues are also of concern to Vietnam as the country is building its social economic strategy and social welfare strategy for the 2011-2020 period.

PM Dung pointed out that the global financial crisis and economic downturn still poses many challenges to the country’s sustainable development. East Asia in general and ASEAN in particular play an important role in global economic recovery and growth.

Mr Dung said that the East Asia and ASEAN development model will help to minimise the macroeconomic imbalance, and ensure sustainable development.

He stated that building a sustainable social welfare network is priority for East Asia and ASEAN. The negative impacts of the recent financial crisis, the current poverty gap and increase of average income groups have created many issues at national and regional levels. Efforts to reduce poverty and facilitate average income groups are important parts of the East Asia and ASEAN development model.

Sustainable development requires countries to deal with problems related to energy and food security, the environment and other non-traditional security issues. It is essential for each economy to step up reform and co-operation at both regional and global levels.

PM Dung said he hoped the seminar would provide an opportunity for researchers and lawmakers from ASEAN, East Asia and the US to propose specific policies for social development and the establishment of a sustainable social welfare network for East Asia and ASEAN, including Vietnam.