ASEAN united to cope with COVID-19: top legislator

Despite the effects of the ongoing pandemic and complex, unpredictable shifts in the regional and international geo-political landscape, the ASEAN community has maintained solidarity and upheld its reserve, said Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) Vương Đình Huệ on Monday.

National Assembly (NA) chairman Vương Đình Huệ speaks at the 42nd General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly. — VNA/VNS Photo

Despite the effects of the ongoing pandemic and complex, unpredictable shifts in the regional and international geo-political landscape, the ASEAN community has maintained solidarity and upheld its reserve, said Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) Vương Đình Huệ on Monday.

He was addressing the 42nd General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA-42) which is being virtually held in Brunei.

In the past year, the world and the ASEAN region have faced tremendous difficulties and challenges posed by the pandemic, causing casualties and disruptions in the regional supply chain. This has significantly impacted economic growth and exacerbated social inequality, including digital inequality and social welfare, he said.

More than ever, the pandemic has underscored the urgency of state governance, and adjustments of policies and development goals. It has also emphasised the demand for digitalisation and a digital economy to respond to the pandemic and sustain socio-economic development, he added.

“Our Community has timely exerted collective efforts in response to the pandemic since its outbreak. As we weather tempestuous challenges, the close bonds and mutual sharing among ASEAN members and their peoples are further bolstered,” he said.

Via initiatives such as the ASEAN COVID-19 Response Fund, the Regional Reserve of Medical Supplies and the ASEAN Vaccine Security and Self-Reliance initiative, ASEAN members have worked closely together to strengthen the responsiveness of each country and gradually contain the pandemic, he said.

In tandem with efforts to combat this pandemic, ASEAN is taking measures under the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework, in which innovation, digitalisation, and the transformation of growth models are considered as drivers to foster a sustainable recovery, he said.

Digital connectivity

The pandemic also constitutes a catalyst for ASEAN’s endeavors to accelerate the digitalisation of its economy, harness the Fourth Industrial Revolution, narrow the digital gap, and ensure digital equality, he said.

“Forging Parliamentary Cooperation in Digital Inclusion towards ASEAN Community 2025” was the theme outlined to build on the role of AIPA and its Member Parliaments in accelerating digitalisation, ensuring stable growth and fostering sustainable recovery of ASEAN, thereby maintaining ASEAN’s key contributions to regional peace, stability and prosperity, the top legislator said.

He made several recommendations:

Firstly, AIPA Member Parliaments need to complete the legal framework and remove barriers to facilitate digital transformation policies, with a view to building e-Government. It is also necessary to improve the quality of online public services of our governments and parliaments, facilitate equitable access to digital services for people and businesses, increase digital literacy for vulnerable groups, and offer fair, equitable and affordable digital services.

Secondly, concrete programmes, action plans and strategies were needed on digital development. It is essential to bolster cooperation with partners and international organisations to improve digital infrastructure, ensure an inclusive digital ecosystem, and narrow the digital gap.

Thirdly, social resources are needed to develop a digital ecosystem via public - private partnership and create incubators to develop digital corporations and start-ups. It is necessary to align the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework with the plans of each country to assist enterprises in enhancing innovation and digitalisation, thereby ensuring stability and resuming production and business activities.

Fourthly, policies and legal frameworks and support initiatives in the cooperation within ASEAN and between ASEAN and its partners on cyber security, information privacy, and data protection need to be improved.

Experience sharing and cooperation

In response to the pandemic developments, Huệ called on AIPA member parliaments to cooperate and share experience, particularly in science and technology to keep the virus under control.

He proposed enhanced cooperation among AIPA and partners in research, development and sharing of vaccines, medicine and COVID-19 prevention and control equipment.

The NA Chairman noted that despite numerous challenges caused by COVID-19, Việt Nam successfully held the elections for the 15th National Assembly, and the People’s Councils at all levels for the 2021-2026 tenure in May.

In July, the country successfully convened the first session of the 15th NA to elect the key leaderships of the State, NA and Government, and outline the goals to become a modern industrialised developing country, having graduated from the lower-middle income group by 2025, a developing country with a modern industrial base and an upper-middle income by 2030, and a developed, high-income country by 2045, he said.

“The NA of Việt Nam pledges to continue being an active and responsible AIPA member, for the development of parliamentary diplomacy and the interests of all people in ASEAN,” he said.

Dato Lim Jock Hoi, Secretary-General of ASEAN, said at the meeting that ASEAN continued to consolidate itself to become a more inclusive and resilient community in spite of the unprecedented challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the region’s lead parliamentary organisation, AIPA has significantly contributed to cooperation and development across the three community pillars of ASEAN. Lawmakers from all ten member states gathered at the Assembly to advance priority issues into actionable plans such as agreements and initiatives, and collectively realise a people-oriented, people-centred ASEAN community.

AIPA played a key role in transposing regional commitments to national laws, expediting the ratification of ASEAN agreements, aligning domestic laws with regional priorities, as well as monitoring law implementations across the region, he said. — VNS

Source: VNA
vietnamnews.vn

Related News

Vietnam’s exports to the U.S. near US$100 billion milestone

Vietnam’s exports to the U.S. near US$100 billion milestone

VCN - By the end of October, Vietnam's exports to the United States approached US$100 billion, reaffirming its position as Vietnam's largest export market.
Six export markets of billion growth

Six export markets of billion growth

VCN - Our country's key export markets maintained impressive growth momentum. In particular, six markets increased by US$1 billion or more.
Rice exports to China drop sharply

Rice exports to China drop sharply

VCN - While the amount of rice exported to Southeast Asian markets increased sharply, the results in the Chinese market were the opposite.
Cambodia Customs facilitates fastest movement of goods in transit

Cambodia Customs facilitates fastest movement of goods in transit

VCN – The General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia (GDCEC) facilitates goods in transit, prompting movement of goods within ASEAN, said by Mr. Kun Nhem – Minister Attached to the Prime Minister, Director General of the GDCEC on the sidelines of the 33rd ASEAN Directors-General of Customs Meeting.

Latest News

Vietnam maintains political stability, economic success in 2024: scholar

Vietnam maintains political stability, economic success in 2024: scholar

Professor Carl Thayer at the University of New South Wales at the Australian Defence Force Academy has described Vietnam’s maintenance of political stability and economic success as its outstanding achievements in 2024.
Vietnam expected to create hi-tech breakthroughs following partnership with NVIDIA

Vietnam expected to create hi-tech breakthroughs following partnership with NVIDIA

Two cutting-edge AI research centres, namely Vietnam Research and Development Centre and AI Data Centre, will be established under the partnership between Vietnam and US tech giant NVIDIA, making a significant milestone in the country’s technological transformation.
Vietnam needs a competitive energy market: experts

Vietnam needs a competitive energy market: experts

Vietnam is making significant strides toward transforming its energy sector by fostering a competitive and sustainable market to meet the nation’s socio-economic development demands.
PM calls for transformative energy projects

PM calls for transformative energy projects

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has laid stress on the critical need for innovative power projects that are able to transform the nation’s energy landscape and prevent power shortages while addressing at a hybrid conference to review the investment and construction of the 500kVcircuit-3 power transmission line linking Quang Trach in the central province of Quang Binh and Pho Noi in the northern province of Hung Yen on December 8.

More News

November’s CPI grows 0.13%

November’s CPI grows 0.13%

Vietnam's consumer price index (CPI) for November rose by 0.13% from the previous month and 2.77% compared to the same period last year, announced the General Statistics Office (GSO) on December 6.
PM urges extra efforts to fulfil all 15 targets set for 2024

PM urges extra efforts to fulfil all 15 targets set for 2024

Ministries and sectors need to promote the mindset of daring to think, daring to act, and daring to take responsibility for the common interests, with the goal of achieving all 15 out of 15 targets set for 2024 so as to lay the foundation and momentum for next year, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stressed at the Government’s monthly regular meeting on December 7.
Expansionary fiscal policy prevents recession, boosts aggregate demand

Expansionary fiscal policy prevents recession, boosts aggregate demand

VCN - Customs News interviewed Ms. Nguyen Thanh Nga, Deputy Director of the Institute of Strategy and Financial Policy (Ministry of Finance).
Economic, diplomatic achievements promote Vietnam’s image: Chinese scholar

Economic, diplomatic achievements promote Vietnam’s image: Chinese scholar

Vietnam’s economic accomplishments and diplomatic efforts in 2024 have significantly contributed to building a positive image of the country both regionally and globally, commented Prof. Xu Liping, Director of the Centre for Southeast Asian Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Science (CASS).
Efforts made to complete EC’s recommendations on IUU combat

Efforts made to complete EC’s recommendations on IUU combat

Authorities in the central province of Quang Ngai has increase inspections and control over the operation of all fishing vessels, ensure that they comply with regulations.
Vietnam-China e-commerce: A perspective from Lang Son border

Vietnam-China e-commerce: A perspective from Lang Son border

VCN - Cross-border e-commerce is currently a hot topic among e-commerce businesses, particularly those actively developing digital platforms and cross-border electronic payment infrastructures through border gates in Lang Son province.
Localities report progresses in IUU fishing combat

Localities report progresses in IUU fishing combat

Coastal localities nationwide have implemented practical and effective activities and specific measures, demonstrating their determination to join the nation’s efforts to have the “yellow card” that the European Commission (EC) has imposed on Vietnamese seafood regarding illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing lifted in 2024.
Apparatus restructuring difficult but indispensable: PM

Apparatus restructuring difficult but indispensable: PM

Rearranging the organisational apparatus is a difficult task but it is essential, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed on December 4 at a Government conference to carry out the review of the implementation of Resolution No. 18-NQ/TW, issued by the Party Central Committee in 2017, which seeks to streamline the political system for greater efficiency.
Raising the position if Vietnam does not want to become a new "assembly factory"

Raising the position if Vietnam does not want to become a new "assembly factory"

VCN - A more aggressive version of “America First” is predicted when Donald Trump takes office as the 47th President of the United States. According to Associate Professor Dr. Pham Thi Thu Tra, Head of the Economics and Finance Department, RMIT University Vietnam, Vietnam needs to raise its position in the global value chain to seize opportunities if it does not want to become a new “assembly factory” of the world.
Read More

Your care

Latest Most read
Vietnam maintains political stability, economic success in 2024: scholar

Vietnam maintains political stability, economic success in 2024: scholar

Professor Carl Thayer at the University of New South Wales at the Australian Defence Force Academy has described Vietnam’s maintenance of political stability and economic success as its outstanding achievements in 2024.
Vietnam expected to create hi-tech breakthroughs following partnership with NVIDIA

Vietnam expected to create hi-tech breakthroughs following partnership with NVIDIA

Two cutting-edge AI research centres, namely Vietnam Research and Development Centre and AI Data Centre, will be established under the partnership between Vietnam and US tech giant NVIDIA, making a significant milestone in the country’s technological transformation.
Vietnam needs a competitive energy market: experts

Vietnam needs a competitive energy market: experts

Vietnam is making significant strides toward transforming its energy sector by fostering a competitive and sustainable market to meet the nation’s socio-economic development demands.
PM calls for transformative energy projects

PM calls for transformative energy projects

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has laid stress on the critical need for innovative power projects that are able to transform the nation’s energy landscape and prevent power shortages while addressing at a hybrid conference to review the investment and construction of the 500kVcircuit-3 power transmission line linking Quang Trach in the central province of Quang Binh and Pho Noi in the northern province of Hung Yen on December 8.
November’s CPI grows 0.13%

November’s CPI grows 0.13%

Vietnam's consumer price index (CPI) for November rose by 0.13% from the previous month and 2.77% compared to the same period last year, announced the General Statistics Office (GSO) on December 6.
Mobile Version