The 2026 World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting took place in Davos, Switzerland from January 19-23.
With the theme "A Spirit of Dialogue", the conference attracted the participation of nearly 3,000 delegates from more than 130 countries, including about 60 heads of state, heads of government, leaders of major international organizations, many Ministers of Economy, Finance, Foreign Affairs, Trade, Industry and Governors of Central Banks, along with nearly 850 CEOs and Chairmen of leading corporations in the world, "unicorns" businesses, and global technology pioneers.
Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son and the Vietnamese government delegation attended and made many positive contributions at the conference.
Speaking at the thematic discussion sessions of the Conference on "New Roads to ASEAN Growth and Prosperity" and "ASEAN Grid", the Vietnamese delegation emphasized that ASEAN continues to be one of the dynamic and stable growth regions of the global economy, with the prospect of becoming the fourth largest economy in the world by 2030.
ASEAN's new growth drivers in the coming time are linked to industrial transformation, digital innovation and green growth, in which the digital economy, artificial intelligence and energy transition play a key role in improving productivity and competitiveness.
On that basis, Vietnam proposed a number of key cooperation priorities of ASEAN, including: (i) building common and reliable frameworks on digital identification, data governance and network security to reduce fragmentation, promote digital trade and innovation;
(ii) promote the model of linked industrial clusters, strengthen technology transfer, develop skills and enhance ASEAN's position in the regional and global value chain;
(iii) prioritize sustainable financial development and transitional finance to effectively mobilize private resources for green growth;
(iv) promote the development of the ASEAN power grid and cross-border clean electricity trade to ensure energy security and inclusive growth.
Also at the conference, Vietnam once again affirmed its steadfast orientation towards rapid, inclusive and sustainable growth, associated with institutional reform, digital transformation and transition to a low-carbon economy, towards the goal of net "zero" emissions by 2050, and is ready to closely coordinate with ASEAN countries and international partners for the common prosperity of the region.
On the sidelines of the conference, events were also organized by the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, the People's Committee of Da Nang City and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in coordination, to introduce to friends and international partners the specific mechanisms and policies of Vietnam's international financial centers located in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, and the advantages and new investment opportunities in Vietnam.
Within the framework of the conference, the Vietnamese delegation had bilateral contacts with representatives of WEF leaders, representatives of Swiss and Cambodian government leaders and a number of large international businesses and corporations such as Allianz SE, JTI.
