(VOVworld) -  The 3^rd forum on Southeast Asia of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development opened in Hanoi on Tuesday.

Delegates discussed increasing productivity in Southeast Asia, connecting small and medium-sized enterprises in global value chains, and inclusive development. In his opening speech, Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son said Vietnam has contributed significantly to integration and narrowing the development gap in ASEAN towards a harmoniously developed community. He said that ASEAN members should focus on job generation, infrastructure, and human resources to make the most of regional economic connectivity. Deputy Secretary General of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development Douglas Frantz praised Vietnam’s hosting of the event, describing it Vietnam’s efforts to strengthen cooperation between ASEAN and his organization. He said ASEAN members should increase investment in education and training, improve the business environment, support small and medium-sized enterprises in joining blobal value chains, and ensure social security.