(VOVworld)- In 2016 Vietnam will have numerous opportunities and challenges in integrating into the ASEAN Community and the global economy through bilateral and multilateral free trade agreements. Vietnam’s diplomatic sector will focus on creating favorable conditions for Vietnamese enterprises and maintaining a stable environment for national development.
Strengthening international integration, creating a stable environment
The ASEAN Community has officially been established marking a milestone in ASEAN’s development.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh |
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh said Vietnam has over the past 20 years contributed greatly to ASEAN as a proactive and responsible member. The formation of the ASEAN Community will enable each member nation to develop a peaceful and stable environment for development: “The formation of the ASEAN Community creates a stable and peaceful environment. Cooperation mechanisms on politics and security will ensure a friendly space for people in the community. The formation of the ASEAN Community will bring about immediate and long term interests. It’s important to enable our people to benefit the most from participating in the community. This is also our ultimate goal”.
Most Vietnamese people and enterprises are not well aware of the benefits that the ASEAN Community will bring about. According to a survey, 63% of Vietnamese enterprises say the ASEAN Economic Community will not affect their businesses. This will be a major concern for the diplomatic sector, said Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh: “This will be a major challenge if we are not aware of our opportunities in joining the ASEAN Community. In 2016 we will help enterprises expand cooperation with their partners and increase communications on the ASEAN Community to help Vietnamese people and enterprises participate in the ASEAN Economic Community more effectively”.
Paving the way for Vietnamese enterprises
In 2015, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and diplomatic agencies overseas helped Vietnamese enterprises expand cooperation with foreign partners by connecting Vietnamese enterprises at home and abroad, organizing investment forums, and promoting trade activities. Overseas Vietnamese diplomatic agencies helped enterprises settle difficulties in doing businesses in other countries.
Vietnam has set up strategic partnerships with 15 countries and comprehensive partnership with 11 countries. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh elaborates on the diplomatic sector’s plans for next year: “In the new period, Vietnam intends to accelerate international integration. Vietnam will further deepen its external relations, and enhance cooperation with partner countries and traditional friends. In the context of multilateral external relations, Vietnam aims to continue to be a proactive and responsible member of ASEAN and other multilateral cooperation mechanisms”.