In his speech, Party chief To Lam said he believed that ASEAN will develop strongly and become the world's fourth largest economy by 2030, with a consumer market of 800 million people, and that it would also be a center of technology, digital economy, and innovation. ASEAN's digital economy is growing rapidly and expected to reach the 1 trillion USD threshold by 2030, said Mr. Lam.

However, to continue affirming ASEAN's stature and central position, he underscored the importance of strengthening intra-bloc solidarity and strategic autonomy, considering them decisive factors to respond to external pressures as well as  maintaining an independent and balanced voice.

“It’s necessary for ASEAN to increase consensus through consultation, dialogue, intertwining interests among members, raising community awareness and positive outlooks from each member country in seeking common interests, identity, and values,” said Mr. Lam.  

Looking back on Vietnam’s 30-year journey since joining ASEAN, the Vietnamese top leader reaffirmed that Vietnam’ll continue to work with other ASEAN members to realize the bloc’s historic mission and spread ASEAN’s success stories, so that ASEAN continues to be a successful model of connectivity, bringing confidence and motivation for solidarity and development cooperation in many places around the world.

The ambassadors, scholars, and experts spoke highly of Mr Lam’s speech. Tiffany McDonald, Australia Ambassador to ASEAN, said “For the vision outlined for ASEAN as Vietnam in its important membership has been articulated today. Australia stands in support of this vision, of ASEAN, and of ASEAN’s leadership in the region.”

Indonesian Ambassador to ASEAN Dery Aman said that the Vietnamese Party chief’s visit to and delivering a speech at the ASEAN Secretariat demonstrates Vietnam's strong commitment as an important member of ASEAN and the shared vision of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region.

According to Nobuhiro Aizawa, the Dean and Managing Director of the ERIA School of Government, “The mission of the era might be different, but as we are deeply inspired by both Uncle Ho and General Secretary To Lam. I wish you to visit again to Jakarta and to many other countries in Southeast Asia to be the mentor for all ASEAN members and our partners and encouraging as today you have done our collective work to shape the world together at this time of seismic change.”