Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue (center) at an ASEAN discussion (Photo: Thanh Chung/VGP)

Opening the ASEAN night banquet on Tuesday, Mr. Hue underscored the need to adopt new initiatives, vision, and orientations for adaptation and development. He said Vietnam’s economy recorded the highest growth in a decade last year with improved competitiveness and business climate, marching towards prosperity and inclusive development together with the ASEAN community.

The keynote speaker during a session on Wednesday on ASEAN strategic prospects, Deputy PM Hue said ASEAN needs to continue upholding its central role and promote cooperation and economic connection within the bloc. He said Vietnam pledges to continue working with ASEAN members to promote dialogue and cooperation, and strengthen ASEAN’s central role. 

On the sidelines of the WEF, Deputy PM Hue held meetings with foreign government and business leaders.

At a meeting with Peruvian Prime Minister Mercedes Araoz, Hue urged an increase in high-level exchanges, regular meetings of the Inter-Committee on Economic, Trade, and Investment Cooperation, and the launch of a political consultation mechanism. He asked the Peruvian government to create favorable conditions for Vietnamese business operations in Peru, to back Vietnam’s membership in the UN Security Council for the 2020-2021 tenure, and to recognize Vietnam as a market economy.

At a meeting with the WEF Executive Chairman Klaus Schwab, Hue called for coordination in deciding the theme, agenda, and participants of the WEF ASEAN 2018 Summit in Hanoi.

During meetings with leaders of major business groups, Hue said the Vietnamese government always creates favorable conditions for foreign enterprises to do long-term business in Vietnam.

On Wednesday, Hue attended the Informal Gathering of World Economic Leaders to discuss financial mobilization for sustainable development.