The Asia-Europe Meeting was created in 1996 under an initiative of Singapore and France with the support of ASEAN. This is an informal forum for dialogues between state leaders of member countries, EU leaders, and the ASEAN Secretariat. ASEM countries account for 63% of global population, 57% of global GDP and 68% of global trade. ASEM now has 53 members and is the second largest global forum after the UN General Assembly.

Coping with global challenges

High on the agenda of the 10^th ASEM Summit is strengthening cooperation and dialogues seeking ways to maintain peace and stability, restore the global economy, and cope with global challenges. Under the theme “Responsible partnership for Growth and Security”, the summit will discuss economic-financial issues and Asia-Europe Connectivity, global issues, common regional and global issues, and ASEM’s future orientations.

The 10th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit (ASEM10) is held from 16-17 October 2014 in Milan, Italy.  Croatia and Kazakhstan are expected to formally join ASEM during the Summit, bringing the total number of ASEM members to 53. Photo: www.asef.org

Impressive economic growth in the past century has helped millions of people on the two continents escape poverty. Several countries have achieved middle-income status. Some have become developed industrial countries. But the world is struggling with climate change, a rising sea-level, disappearing natural resources, and threats to energy, food and water resource security. Therefore, ASEM is attempting to mobilize a joint effort to meet these challenges and achieve a sustainable growth. At a recent ASEM meeting in Vietnam, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Van Ninh said:“In the context of increasing globalization and international integration, mutual dependence has increased. It’s impossible for a country or a government to cope with these challenges on its own. As an important inter-regional forum and with its extensive technological resources, ASEM is fully capable of and responsible for motivating these two continents to ensure the world’s sustainable growth”.

Vietnam actively promotes cooperation within ASEM

Since it joined ASEM 18 years ago, Vietnam has been a proactive, dynamic and responsible member. Vietnam has contributed impressively to ASEM. It has proposed initiatives to strengthen ASEM cooperation in culture, education, health care, transportation, and energy security. Vietnam has led ASEM in promoting green growth and responding to initiatives on building a green economy in line with UN goals. Vietnam has cooperated with other ASEM countries in shifting its growth model, protecting the environment, and conserving and efficiently exploiting natural resources. This is in line with Vietnam’s socio-economic development strategy until 2020 which focuses on promoting rapid sustainable economic growth in combination with environmental protection. Tran Hong Ha, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, said:“For Vietnam, a country with several economic difficulties, technology and investment capital are its challenges. In its development process, Vietnam needs to create a roadmap that puts a high priority on investment in green economy, green technology and clean energy”.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and other world leaders at 9th ASEM in Vientiane, Laos in November, 2012. Photo: VGP

At the 10^th ASEM Summit in Italy, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung will be one of the first three leaders addressing the plenary session on global issues. The Prime Minister will also be one of three Asian leaders meeting with leading enterprises from Asia and Europe within the framework of the 14^th Asia-Europe Business Forum. Prime Minister Dung is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with several heads of state. These meetings will enhance political trust and promote bilateral cooperation between Vietnam and its major partners in Asia and Europe.