AIPA-41 underlines role of parliaments in post-pandemic economic recovery

The 41st General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly themed “Parliamentary Diplomacy for a Cohesive and Responsive ASEAN Community” entered into its second working day on September 9, with important issues under discussion.

In his welcoming remarks to delegates, Vietnam National Assembly (NA) Vice Chairman Phung Quoc Hien emphasised that economic co-operation in the AIPA remains a key issue as it has a profound impact on various areas of co-operation in the region and the ASEAN economic community. The theme of the conference is therefore practical and urgent for all AIPA member nations, he noted.

NA Vice Chairman Hien expressed his hope that the AIPA Economic Committee will put forward recommendations for AIPA countries in order to share experience in responding to emergency situations and propose solutions aimed at enhancing connectivity for post-pandemic economic recovery.

COVID-19 reverses decades of economic development

A representative from Brunei stressed that the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused an unprecedented impact on people’s livelihoods, negatively affecting the socio-economic development of countries, although it has also created opportunities for ASEAN member states to unite to adapt and take a range countermeasures.

Within this context, the AIPA needs to collaborate to demonstrate the role of both parliaments in general and parliamentarians in particular to support the stability of the regional economy. Brunei therefore believes that the recovery plan should prioritise initiatives aimed at swiftly overcoming the negative effects of the pandemic, including easing travel restrictions throughout the region in order to recover and deepen regional economic integration, whilst also promoting regional trade and investment.

In the spirit of cohesion and adaptation, countries must approach a multidisciplinary and multilateral community in order to solve the multifaceted challenge posed by COVID-19. In addition, greater attention must be paid to promoting the digital environment and regional businesses.

“We support AIPA's tireless efforts to stabilise the regional economy in a spirit of cohesion and active adaptation. No country can overcome the pandemic alone. ASEAN should redouble efforts to maintain resilience and unite parliamentarians who play an active role in this process,” the representative from Brunei emphasised.

A Cambodian representative also affirmed that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a global health crisis and has turned into an unprecedented socio-economic crisis that has yet to be fully understood. As the global economy faces negative growth, a growing number of people are falling into extreme poverty. The COVID-19 pandemic has therefore reversed decades of economic development.

"In a globalised world, no country can survive alone, especially in the current crisis", the Cambodian representative stated, calling on ASEAN to strengthen cohesion so it can take on the role of an important area in the world and meet the aspirations of its citizens.

ASEAN needs to step up co-operation in COVID-19 response

A representative from Singapore noted that COVID-19's widespread reach and enormous devastation not only killed many people but also ruined the lives of many others.

Each country may have imposed different measures in an effort to deal with the problem, but from there it is also possible to learn lessons from each other, as well as discovering other effective counter measures.

According to a representative from Indonesia, the current context requires a unified and proactive approach aimed at adapting to a new phase, meaning that ASEAN must be stick together as a united community. The AIPA is responsible for promoting actions on common solutions that ASEAN offers in response to the concerns of the masses and large groups of people severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Emphasising the impact of the pandemic, a representative from Malaysia said that this represents an unprecedented challenge. Therefore, the bloc must step up co-operation to face these challenging times.

In his remarks, Nguyen Manh Tien, Vice Chairman of the NA’s Committee for Foreign Affairs and Head of the Vietnamese NA’s Delegation, suggested continuing to review and perfect relevant legal frameworks as a way of promoting trade facilitation to ensure the uninterrupted circulation of goods and supply chains throughout the ASEAN region.

Tien stated that recent months has seen ASEAN countries take their own measures to control the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as respond in different ways to the negative economic impacts of the pandemic. However, the COVID-19 pandemic is not merely a medical crisis, but also a crisis for growth due to the disruption caused to international trade and supply chains.

Upon facing up to the current situation, the Vietnamese delegation has expressed its deep concerns about the significant losses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in ASEAN countries, Tien said. Indeed, he went on to add that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic have caused a great hindrance to the various economies of ASEAN, as well as their internal and external trade activities.

Furthermore, economic integration through promoting growth and the recovery of ASEAN member states, coupled with the competent implementation of digital economic activities, will be of profound importance moving forward. Indeed, it will play an important role in strengthening ASEAN economic integration as well as the bloc’s readiness to respond to challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In light of this, Tien therefore recommends that the ASEAN community unify in order to implement a series of breakthroughs and feasible solutions.

During the meeting, delegates praised the Vietnamese NA’s efforts to hold the 41st General Assembly of AIPA via a teleconference due to the COVID-19 pandemic making it impossible to hold an international event in person.

Representatives discussed measures aimed at mitigating the impact of COVID-19 while also fine-tuning legal frameworks to promote economic recovery once the pandemic is fully brought under control.

Moreover, participants also affirmed the importance of economic connectivity, including maintaining supply chains, to promote ASEAN the economic growth and comprehensive recovery of member nations.

They also called for co-operation among AIPA member parliaments to build new legal frameworks aimed at institutionalise national preparations and response mechanisms against COVID-19 and future pandemics.

Following the discussion, delegates agreed to approve a draft resolution on the role of parliaments in promoting ASEAN economic cohesiveness and economic recovery moving past COVID-19.

Source: VOV
vov.vn

Related News

Economic groups and corporations increase revenue and profit

Economic groups and corporations increase revenue and profit

VCN – In the first half of 2024, the business situation of the state-owned enterprise sector continued to achieve many positive results. Faced with the tasks in the remaining time of the year, the business sector needs to be more determined to overcome shortcomings and limitations, and seek breakthrough opportunities in production and business.
With the recovery momentum returning, businesses need to speed up credit

With the recovery momentum returning, businesses need to speed up credit

VCN - In recent instructions, the monetary policy regulator continues to urge banks to implement practical and effective solutions to strive for system-wide credit growth, which will be 5-6% by the end of the second quarter of 2024.
Textile and garment exports recovered positively

Textile and garment exports recovered positively

VCN - Vu Duc Giang, Chairman of Vietnam Textile & Apparel Association shared with Customs News about the production and export situation of Vietnam's textile and garment industry after many difficult periods.
Exports in the first quarter "supported" economic recovery

Exports in the first quarter "supported" economic recovery

VCN - Continue the recovery momentum at the end of 2023, exports in the first quarter positively contributed to the growth results of the whole economy in the early period of 2024.

Latest News

Top Vietnamese leader emphasises fight against wastefulness

Top Vietnamese leader emphasises fight against wastefulness

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President Tô Lâm has written an article, highlighting the fight against wastefulness.
Vietnam’s overseas investment declines in nine months

Vietnam’s overseas investment declines in nine months

Vietnam's overseas investment, including new and adjusted capital, amounted to 189.6 million USD, down 54.5% year-on-year, according to the Ministry of Planning and Investment’s Foreign Investment Agency.
Vietnam-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership develops strongly: Ambassador

Vietnam-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership develops strongly: Ambassador

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son will pay a visit to Australia and co-chair the 6th Vietnam-Australia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting from October 16-19, at the invitation of Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong.
The economy can achieve the GDP growth target of about 7 percent

The economy can achieve the GDP growth target of about 7 percent

VCN - According to Nguyen Thi Huong, Director General of the General Statistics Office, to achieve the economic growth target in 2024, macroeconomic stability will be an important foundation and it is necessary to continue to maintain exchange rate stability, control inflation, and ensure major balances of the economy.

More News

Vietnamese Prime Minister holds talks with Chinese Premier

Vietnamese Prime Minister holds talks with Chinese Premier

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang after hosting an official welcome ceremony for the latter in Hanoi on October 13 morning.
China ready to step up multi-sectoral cooperation with Vietnam: Chinese media

China ready to step up multi-sectoral cooperation with Vietnam: Chinese media

The ongoing official visit to Vietnam by Chinese Premier Li Qiang has been widely covered by major Chinese news and press agencies, including Xinhua and People’s Daily.
Vietnam striving to reach year-end GDP target

Vietnam striving to reach year-end GDP target

Vietnam has navigated the first three quarters of the year through a complex and unpredictable global landscape, compounded by significant natural disasters at home.
Vietnam, UK foster auditing cooperation

Vietnam, UK foster auditing cooperation

The State Audit Office of Vietnam (SAV) wishes to foster cooperation with the National Audit Office (NAO) of the UK, especially in the fields of specialised auditing, information technology application in auditing activities, and human resources training, stated Auditor General Ngo Van Tuan at his recent meeting with British Comptroller and Auditor General Gareth Davis in London.
Vietnam’s economy bounces back in post-typhoon period

Vietnam’s economy bounces back in post-typhoon period

Vietnam’s economy has recovered quickly despite external uncertainties and extensive damage caused by Typhoon Yagi, which has greatly affected all socio-economic activities and people’s lives.
PM urges implementation of 3 digital strategic breakthroughs

PM urges implementation of 3 digital strategic breakthroughs

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on October 12 stressed the need to promote three strategic breakthroughs of digital institutions, digital infrastructure, and digital human resources to enable Vietnam to catch up with other nations, advance, and thrive in the new era.
Vietnamese, Australian PMs agree to strengthen cooperation in various fields

Vietnamese, Australian PMs agree to strengthen cooperation in various fields

The PMs also agreed to further instruct ministries and agencies of the two countries to effectively implement the cooperation agreements.
WTO highlights Vietnam’s role in restructuring of global supply chains

WTO highlights Vietnam’s role in restructuring of global supply chains

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) on October 10 released its Global Trade Outlook and Statistics, in which it affirms Vietnam and Mexico have emerged as “connecting” economies – stepping in as the source for many products - in the restructuring of global supply chains that serve the US market.
Vietnam

Vietnam's economy remains growth momentum

VCN- According to Mr. Nguyen Ba Hung, Chief Economist of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), public investment will play a key role in economic recovery and growth in 2024. Fiscal measures to support growth and public investment are key policy solutions to stimulate growth year- end months.
Read More

Your care

Latest Most read
Top Vietnamese leader emphasises fight against wastefulness

Top Vietnamese leader emphasises fight against wastefulness

General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and State President Tô Lâm has written an article, highlighting the fight against wastefulness.
Vietnam’s overseas investment declines in nine months

Vietnam’s overseas investment declines in nine months

Vietnam's overseas investment, including new and adjusted capital, amounted to 189.6 million USD, down 54.5% year-on-year, according to the Ministry of Planning and Investment’s Foreign Investment Agency.
Vietnam-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership develops strongly: Ambassador

Vietnam-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership develops strongly: Ambassador

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son will pay a visit to Australia and co-chair the 6th Vietnam-Australia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting from October 16-19, at the invitation of Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong.
The economy can achieve the GDP growth target of about 7 percent

The economy can achieve the GDP growth target of about 7 percent

According to Nguyen Thi Huong, Director General of the General Statistics Office, to achieve the economic growth target in 2024, macroeconomic stability will be an important foundation
Vietnamese Prime Minister holds talks with Chinese Premier

Vietnamese Prime Minister holds talks with Chinese Premier

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang after hosting an official welcome ceremony for the latter in Hanoi on October 13 morning.
Mobile Version