Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son, head of the organising board of  the WEF ASEAN (Photo: VNA)

Deputy Foreign Minister and head of the organising board of the event, Bui Thanh Son, said that the WEF-ASEAN, scheduled to take place in Hanoi from September 11 to 13, is Vietnam’s most important diplomatic event this year: “The WEF ASEAN is a forum for government leaders and corporate executives to discuss and share views, opinions and policy visions on major regional issues. 5 major topics for discussion in this forum include a new vision for ASEAN in regional integration, new economic and governance models in digital era, smart infrastructure, start-up and innovation.”

Presidents and Prime Ministers from 8 countries have confirmed their participation. With the participation of nearly 1,000 international business executives, the WEF ASEAN also offers the opportunity to introduce Vietnam to the world. Deputy Minister Son said the theme of the forum “ASEAN 4.0: Entrepreneurship in the fourth industrial revolution” proposed by Vietnam, has gained the support of political and business circles and partners, especially ASEAN members, as it is relevant to the ASEAN theme of a “resilient and innovative ASEAN”: Vietnam has actively cooperated with the WEF in topic identification. Vietnam’s hosting of the event reflects our wish to contribute responsibly to world community and learn from their experience in the context of the Industry 4.0. The event demonstrates the solidarity, dynamism and self-reliance of ASEAN.”

Head of the Asia Pacific region of the World Economic Forum,Justin Wood, said the WEF is an opportunity for ASEAN and Vietnam to attract investment and promote business cooperation with international partners.