ASEAN backs national proposals for joint COVID-19 response

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, as Chair of ASEAN, chairs the Special ASEAN Summit on COVID-19 Response

PM Phuc, representing Vietnam as Chair of ASEAN, led the Special ASEAN Summit on COVID-19 response, the first meeting of its kind to be held in an online format with the participation of leaders of 10 ASEAN members.

The conference demonstrates the high levels of the bloc's political commitment for solidarity and co-operation with its partners, affirming that ASEAN is united in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The leaders agreed that the bloc’s joint efforts have so far yielded encouraging results, with the number of infections hitting the regional bloc coming in at a much lower level than the rate seen elsewhere around the globe.

While affirming that the current top priority of ASEAN should be to slow the spread of the virus, especially in the form of cross-border transmission, the leaders agreed that ASEAN should focus on carrying out measures to mitigate the negative socio-economic impacts caused by the COVID-19.

As a means of protecting citizens and supporting small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), countries need to co-ordinate closely by implementing citizen protection measures such as providing social welfare services, offering support packages, and maintaining supply chain linkages.

The group also exchanged views on preparations to create a post-epidemic economic stimulus package that concentrates on enhancing intra-ASEAN trade, promoting economic co-operation agreements under negotiation, carrying out economic stimulus measures, and improving the ability to deal with external shocks.

Speaking during the conference, PM Phuc praised the actions of ASEAN members for initially uniting alongside Vietnam in response to the pandemic and launching online military drills on emergency epidemic response. Moreover, members have also been striving to develop a common ASEAN emergency response process in the event of future epidemics, setting up a task force of senior ASEAN officials who are responsible for combating the spread of fake news.

PM Phuc used the platform to highlight the country’s achievements in disease control, while adding that the nation is ready to support epidemic-hit countries in maintaining normal economic activities, and providing them with essential items, including food.

He suggested that ASEAN should look to work in closer co-ordination in order to support any citizens affected by the epidemic. This can be done whilst simultaneously taking steps to overcome the negative impacts of the epidemic by boosting socio-economic development, along with creating plans and proposing measures for post-epidemic economic recovery. This can be achieved by sharing the lessons learnt from the COVID-19 experience and attempting to restore the tourism industry so businesses and social activities can resume.

At the conclusion of the summit, the leaders adopted the Statement of the Special ASEAN Summit on COVID-19 Response and stated their appreciation for the country’s timely assistance in disease control.