37th ASEAN Summit

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement will officially take effect starting January 1 next year, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s attendance in the upcoming ASEAN Leaders' Meeting in Indonesia aims to affirm that Vietnam gives priority to strengthening solidarity and mutual support with ASEAN member states, thus boosting the bloc’s centrality and position in tackling emerging challenges and building a peaceful environment conducive to sustainable development in each member country and the whole region.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh will attend the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat (AMM Retreat) which will be held virtually on January 21, said Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang at a press briefing on January 14.

The ASEAN Chairmanship Year 2020 has contributed to effectively implementing the Party’s foreign policy, raising Vietnam’s role and position and helping the country create a firm stance in ASEAN and the region.

The COVID-19 pandemic has cast a long shadow and created uncertainty over the global economy. The signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), however, offers a beacon of hope, as it marks a victory for multilateralism and free trade regionally and globally.

Foreign media view 2020 as a truly special year for Vietnam as the country has not only performed the dual role of ASEAN Chair and a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council (UNSC) but also done a good job of concurrently containing COVID-19 and sustaining economic growth.