PM Nguyen Tan Dung at the ASEAN-US Summit, California, February 15, 2016 – Photo: VGP

PM Nguyen Tan Dung attended the event at the invitation of U.S. President Barack Obama.

This was the first summit between ASEAN and a partner country after the formulation of the ASEAN Community and the first ASEAN-U.S. Summit in the U.S.

U.S. President Barack Obama and ASEAN leaders discussed issues on the theme: “Promoting Regional Prosperity through Innovation and Entrepreneurship.”

The Southeast Asian and Asian Pacific regions were forecast as dynamic areas despite numerous challenges.

In the next period, ASEAN member states were projected to focus on new economic development models in favor of high-tech and innovative sciences.  

ASEAN members states agreed to cement and deepen the ASEAN-US strategic partnership.

As the largest economy in the world and ASEAN’s leading partner, with advantages in science, technology, production system, and global enterprise network, the U.S. was asked to support the process of ASEAN community building, development of SMEs, high-tech, and clean energy.

As the chair of the summit, President Barack Obama congratulated the establishment of the ASEAN Community, affirming that the U.S. attaches importance to the relations with ASEAN and backs ASEAN’s central role in the shaping regional architecture.

The U.S. hopes to shake hands with ASEAN member states to boost economic and trade ties, said Mr. Obama.

Addressing the event, PM Nguyen Tan Dung highlighted that as a positive and responsible member of ASEAN, Viet Nam has spared no effort for the ASEAN Community and regional prosperity.

In the coming time, Viet Nam would implement  deeply international integration policies and join economic linkages at different levels especially the ASEAN Economic Community, the Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation, the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP), and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

The PM also emphasized the strategic importance of the ASEAN-US relations for regional peace, stability, and development.

He suggested the two sides effectively realize signed agreements, especially the ASEAN-US Action Plan for the 2016-2020 period, strengthen cooperative and investment activities; share experience on starting a business, knowledge, technology; build advantageous business environment; and develop IT and sustainable development.

PM Dung also proposed the establishment of an ASEAN-US center in Viet Nam to support the formation of startups and develop SMEs with a view to developing creations and connectivity of ASEAN enterprises./.

By Huong Giang