The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that on May 27, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Politburo member and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh led a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation to attend the second ASEAN Summit - Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Speaking at the Conference, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh highly appreciated the potential for ASEAN - GCC cooperation, commented that the two regions both have their own strengths, high complementarity and shared many similarities in development vision. ASEAN stands out with high growth rate, young population, large market, and the ability to transform rapidly, while the GCC is the world's energy center, rich in financial resources, and has advantages in technology and green development experience.
The Prime Minister emphasized that ASEAN and the GCC need to jointly shape and create a new-generation inter-regional cooperation model on a more sincere, substantial, comprehensive, cohesive and effective basis to create strong changes in development cooperation, enhance harmonious benefits between the two sides, and contribute to peace, stability and common development of the two regions and the world.
The Prime Minister called on ASEAN and the GCC to strengthen strategic connectivity, promote substantive cooperation, towards sustainable and inclusive development, with people and businesses at the center.
The Prime Minister proposed that the two sides soon establish a flexible common economic cooperation agreement, which can be implemented in a short time, to promote market access, connect the supply chain, support two-way investment and create a framework for substantive mutual support while ASEAN and the GCC conduct feasibility studies on a comprehensive FTA.
At the same time, the Prime Minister encouraged the strong activation of the role of the private sector, especially GCC investment funds in ASEAN, promoting the connecting role of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council and GCC Business Associations to create a favorable, transparent, open investment and business environment, promoting capital flows, technology and initiatives.
The Prime Minister also suggested that ASEAN and the GCC make green and sustainable growth areas a new pillar of cooperation in the relationship for the future of the people of the two regions, focusing on digital transformation, green transformation, circular economy, application of science and technology, sustainable infrastructure development, smart cities, smart agriculture, Halal food market, energy security and food security.
In the spirit of companionship and creativity, the Prime Minister affirmed that Vietnam is ready to work with other countries to promote specific cooperation in developing 5G, AI, and marine cables digital infrastructure; green hydrogen production, solar energy, and smart energy storage; building a high-quality Halal supply chain; and facilitating travel and working conditions, in order to meet market demand and improve the adaptability of the economy.
