Hanoi forum discusses global political, economic impacts of COVID-19

The forum gathered together nearly 400 delegates, including researchers, business leaders, policymakers, and representatives from a range of institutes, universities, and international organisations.

Dr. Dang Xuan Thanh, VASS Vice President, said the forum focused discussions on global political, economic, security, and diplomatic affairs and international relations, and the impacts of the pandemic on several regions, such as Europe, Southeast Asia, and Africa, and countries like the US, Japan, China, and the Republic of Korea. It will also hear international experience in responding to the coronavirus and how Vietnam reacted to changes in the pre- and post-pandemic world.

Associate Professor Dr. Cu Chi Loi from VASS’s Vietnam Institute of Americas Studies, said that, from a political perspective, COVID-19 has resulted in a world of contrast, with a number of countries enjoying advantageous positions while others are still struggling.

From an economic perspective, COVID-19 is wreaking havoc on the US and EU economies, he said, adding that the US economy experienced a 32% contraction in the second quarter of this year, while China suffered less. The world has entered a new period of uncertainty, with increasing international tensions disrupting cooperation for development.

Many countries are therefore adopting a more deliberate and flexible approach to international relations, he added.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen An Ha from VASS’s Vietnam Institute of European Studies said the EU has called upon member states to unite and develop a common strategy to tackle COVID-19, which includes a set of solutions and initiatives in the short, medium, and long terms.

Delegates also passed comments on Vietnam’s post-pandemic socio-economic development policies between 2021 and 2030.