On October 17, in Hanoi, under the leadership of the standing committee for ASEAN information and propaganda work, the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) organized a training conference. The event aimed to provide updates and guidance on ASEAN cooperation and integration, enhancing the quality of media coverage and increasing public understanding of Vietnam’s contributions to ASEAN’s development.

According to Trieu Minh Long, Director General of the Department of International Cooperation at the MIC, ASEAN continues to play an increasingly vital role in regional and global cooperation mechanisms. ASEAN has taken center stage in addressing many of the world’s issues.

“Vietnam is an active member of ASEAN, continuously implementing numerous programs and initiatives to enhance ASEAN’s role globally and strengthen Vietnam’s position in contributing to regional prosperity,” Director Long stated. He added, “Just last week, ASEAN successfully held its summit in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, further solidifying ASEAN’s role as a central hub of cooperation in the region.”

Discussing the broader context, Tran Duc Binh, Director General of the ASEAN Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noted the ongoing global and regional complexity, with rising tensions between major powers and growing economic uncertainty.

Despite these challenges, ASEAN’s economy has flourished. Since the ASEAN Community Plan was implemented eight years ago, ASEAN’s GDP has increased by 51%, reaching $3.8 trillion in 2023, making it the fifth-largest economy globally. ASEAN’s average growth rate is 4.2%.

In 2023, ASEAN was the second-largest recipient of foreign direct investment (FDI) worldwide, trailing only the United States. By 2030, ASEAN’s economy is expected to be the fourth-largest globally, and the bloc’s digital economy is forecast to reach $2 trillion by then.

ASEAN's cooperation framework is built on three key pillars: political-security, economic, and socio-cultural. The comprehensive plan for building the ASEAN Community is advancing equally across all three pillars. The vision for the ASEAN Community in 2045 is “Resilient, Dynamic, Innovative, and People-Centered.”

In the context of global complexities, ASEAN’s role remains vital. Partner nations view ASEAN as a priority in their regional policies and support ASEAN's central role in promoting comprehensive cooperation.

These partnerships are essential in driving economic connectivity, trade, investment, science, technology, innovation, digital transformation, green development, and high-quality human resource development.

Nguyen Viet Chi, Deputy Director General of the Multilateral Trade Policy Department at the Ministry of Industry and Trade, highlighted ASEAN’s significance as a key multilateral forum 29 years after Vietnam joined the organization.

Despite global economic challenges, ASEAN’s economy remains resilient, with its GDP growing by more than 4% last year. ASEAN’s growth is forecast to reach 4.6% in 2024 and $4.7 trillion by 2025.

In terms of trade, China remains ASEAN’s largest trading partner, followed by the United States and the European Union. In 2023, ASEAN attracted $229 billion in FDI, with the U.S. being the largest investor. ASEAN nations have completed 9 out of 14 priority economic initiatives during Laos' ASEAN chairmanship this year.

ASEAN is committed to deeper international and economic integration, bolstering intra-regional trade while strengthening ties with external partners. Digital transformation is recognized as a key growth driver for the region in the coming years.

Trong Dat