Vietnam will actively join regional efforts to speed up the implementation of the Master Plan on Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Connectivity (MPAC) on the three pillars of infrastructure, institutions and people.

Ambassador Nguyen Hoanh Nam, Head of the Vietnamese Permanent Representative delegation to the ASEAN made the statement at the second meeting of the ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating Committee (ACCC) that took place in Parapat, Indonesia, on June 7 and 8.

The Ambassador confirmed that priority will continuously be given to projects on strengthening connections in terms of infrastructure, education and human resources training in the Sub-Mekong region.

The MPAC, which was approved during the 17th ASEAN Summit held in Hanoi in 2010, sets three pillars for strengthening regional connectivity on infrastructure, institutions, and people via 125 action plans.

They include 55 projects on regional traffic system networks, telecommunications and the power grid; 50 on developing a favourable legal framework for regional trade and the investment environment; and 20 on education cooperation, human resources training, and cultural and tourism exchanges.

Reports made during the meeting showed that of the 125 total action plans, 24 have been completed, 50 are expected to be completed within this year and the rest are facing either financial or management difficulties.

Participants suggested applying the public-private partnership (PPP) model in implementing the MPAC and including MPAC projects in national development programmes.

They also called for the ACCC to strengthen their coordination role and cooperation with National Coordinating Commitees in monitoring and supervising the implementation process.

Promotion activities should also be expanded to draw the attention and participation of partner countries, international financial organisations and businesses.

During the event, participants also discussed the Post-2015 Agenda for ASEAN Connectivity and agreed upon the schedule for regular meetings between the ACCC and its partners including China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, India and the European Union late this year.

The third 2015 ACCC meeting is scheduled to take place in September in Malaysia.

VNA