(VOVworld) - A conference was held in Hanoi on Tuesday, scrutinising the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), a pillar of the ASEAN Community that will be formed by the end of this year and Vietnam’s preparation for its involvement in the community.

ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) is comprised of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Hosted by the National Assembly’s Committee for External Relations, the event was in preparation for a hearing on the process of building the ASEAN Community, which is scheduled for August 18.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Cam Tu said since 2008 Vietnam has strictly implemented the commitments of the AEC formation, and is among members having completed the most commitments.

Participants underlined the need for Vietnam to step up communication efforts to enhance public awareness and social consensus on the ASEAN Community, proactively participate in programmes enhancing links within ASEAN, and speed up administrative reform, especially in trade.