(VOVworld) – The 15th Asia-Europe Business Forum themed “Connectivity for Inclusive Growth” took place on Thursday in Ulan Bator, Mongolia. The event was attended by European Commission President Jean Claude Juncker, Mongolian President  Tsakhia Elbegdorj and hundreds of European and Asian investors.

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc delivered a sppech at the Asia-Europe Business Forum (Photo: VNA)

Speaking at the forum, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc stressed the need to take advantage of opportunities and overcome challenges to boost the Asia-Europe integration process. He called on leaders to assist small and medium sized enterprises to join the global value chain. PM Phuc also said ASEM is Vietnam’s important partner during Vietnam’s international integration process: ‘Vietnam is a large market with a population of 100 million people and increased income. Currently there are more than 21,000 foreign-invested enterprises in Vietnam with a total registered capital of more than 300 billion USD. 85% of the projects and 90% of the capital come from ASEM countries. Vietnam is negotiating 16 free trade agreements, including 14 with ASEM partners. Vietnam opens its door to European and Asian investors and pledges to contribute to building the comprehensive cooperation with ASEM for sustainable development”