Co-hosted by the Foreign Ministry; the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs; the Ministry of Planning and Investment; and the provincial People’s Committee, the event aims to realize Vietnam’s initiatives adopted at the 12th ASEM Summit in Brussels in October last year. 

Speaking in the event, Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Quoc Cuong said countries are facing challenges regarding gaps in wealth, income and employment, gender inequality, terrorism, transnational crimes, cyber security and climate change.  He suggested that ASEM’s initiatives should be people-centered and bring practical benefits to them. Deputy Minister of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs Doan Mau Diep affirmed that the Vietnamese Government has carried out a sustainable development strategy through ensuring economic growth in tandem with social progress and justice, as well as strengthening the social welfare system for all citizens. Mr. Diep said:“Europe has a well developed social welfare system. We have learned from them a lot, most recently in the development of multi-layered social insurance scheme, including compulsory basic category, voluntary and funded social insurance options.”

The two-day event focuses its discussion on inclusive socio-economic development in the 21st century, the role and involvement of parties concerned, as part of preparations for the 14th ASEM Foreign Ministers’ Meeting scheduled for December in Spain.