Modern Diplomacy, an invaluable platform for assessing and evaluating complex international issues, on November 10 ran an article giving an assessment of Vietnam’s performance as ASEAN 2020 Chair and the significance of the 37th ASEAN Summit for the region amid current challenges.

ASEAN Korea Center (AKC) Secretary General Lee Hyuk has appreciated the role of Vietnam in ASEAN and as ASEAN Chair this year as well as the prospects of ASEAN-RoK ties in the future in an interview given to the Vietnam News Agency on the threshold of the 37th Summit and related summits scheduled for November 12-15.

VOV.VN - The 37th ASEAN Summit and related summits opened at the international convention centre in Hanoi on November 11 via an online platform, with leaders of the 10 ASEAN member states and important partners in attendance.

Since it's official membership to the Association of Southeast Asian Region (ASEAN) in 1995, Vietnam has made remarkable contributions to the regional bloc.

Vietnam has performed remarkably well as Chair of ASEAN in the face of all the obstacles and hurdles, said Choi Shing Kwok, Director of Singapore’s ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute and head of the ASEAN Studies Centre under ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute.​

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement, expected to be signed on November 15 within the framework of the 37th ASEAN Summit in Hanoi, will be the world’s largest free trade agreement (FTA) and is a significant boost for ASEAN businesses, including those in Vietnam, according to insiders.

VOV.VN -A workshop entitled “Towards sustainable FDI attraction in ASEAN: Business environment is the key driver” took place in Hanoi on November 11 to highlight the importance of co-ordinated efforts by various ASEAN governments to halt redundant incentive packages and prioritise enhancing the local business environment for investment promotion.

VOV.VN - Vietnam has done a good job in its role as the ASEAN Chair 2020 amidst COVID-19 challenges both regionally and globally, said diplomats ahead of the 37th ASEAN Summit and its related meetings due to start on November 12.

VOV.VN - The Vietnamese Embassy in Canada held a teleconference on November 10 to discuss investment opportunities and the export of wood furniture products to the Canadian market.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has interrupted the global supply chain and hurt regional economies, it may become a driving force for the signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), said Chheang Vannarith, President of the Cambodian-based Asian Vision Institute (AVI).