This is to help realise the 2025 ASEAN Community Vision, for the interests of the entire region at large and each country individually, contributing to regional and global prosperity, the leader said in a recent article released on the occasion of the WEF ASEAN 2018 from September 11-13 in Hanoi.  

ASEAN has enormous opportunities to develop and promote economic links thanks to more intensive and extensive globalisation and the rapid spread of the fourth Industrial Revolution, particularly digital technology, internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI) and big data, he wrote. 

The PM noted that WEF ASEAN 2018’s theme “Entrepreneurship and the fourth Industrial Revolution” is not only in line with the world’s development trends but also with the theme of a “self-reliant and innovative ASEAN Community” that the ten-member group set this year. 

The event gathers many high-ranking leaders of ASEAN countries and its partners, about 1,000 representatives of multi-national corporations and ASEAN and international businesses and some 800 domestic enterprises. 

Taking place following APEC Year 2017 and the sixth Greater Mekong Sub-region in March 2018, WEF ASEAN 2018 reflects the ever-growing role of Vietnam in ASEAN, the region and the world, as well as the confidence of international businesses and investors in the country’s prospects. 

It is also proof of Vietnam's attractiveness and the trust that global businesses and international investors vest in Vietnam. It is also a manifestation of Vietnam's new status after 30 years of reform, exhibiting the country’s pro-activity and “stature” in international integration as well as in shaping the regional and global economy.

“The 2018 WEF-ASEAN shall also be a chance for us to deepen relations with a wide range of countries and partners, including neighbouring countries and strategic and key partners. This is a channel to strengthen the network of open, multilateralised and diversified foreign relations, contributing to creating a peaceful and stable environment for socio-economic development and improving the country’s status and prestige in the international arena,” the leader wrote. 

Of the nearly 1,000 participating international businesses, many are among the top 500 corporations in the world, possessing vast financial, technological and managerial capacity. 

Witnessing Vietnam’s strong growth would encourage the businesses to step up cooperation and investment in Vietnam through plans and projects that aim to harness the opportunities of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. 

Cooperation with these multinational corporations is an opportunity and driver for Vietnamese businesses, daring them to think big and do big to raise competitiveness, quality and efficiency, according to the PM. 

The success of the 2018 WEF-ASEAN shall breathe new life and create new drivers for international integration, thus affirming Vietnam's role, status and contributions in ASEAN and the region. 

It shall stir national pride and exhort the spirit of self-reliance and the aspiration to rise to the challenge, to build a socialist Vietnam with wealthy people, strong nation, democracy, equality and civilisation, PM Phuc concluded.-VNA