Delegates to the high-level symposium pose for a group photo (Photo: VNA)

Vu Ho, head of the ASEAN Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the unprecedented transformations of the global economy together with technological advances have brought about significant opportunity for peace and sustainable development and economic integration.

However, countries are also facing great challenges regarding competition and anti-globalisation sentiment, he added.

According to Ho, the enhancement of the regional economy and investment would help with the realization of  ASEAN’s priorities in the future, adding there remain many barriers to intra-bloc investment, including those regarding institutions, policies and logistics.

The symposium is expected to gather ideas and recommendations from experts and policy makers to promote regional economic integration.

Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Quoc Khanh called on ASEAN member states to strengthen  unity and maintain  cohesiveness to overcome challenges in the context of rising protectionism.