Vietnam's social insurance joins the 37th ASEAN Social Security Association conference. (photo: laodong.vn)

Vietnam’s social insurance sector joined the ASEAN Social Security Association (ASSA) in 1998. It successfully performed its role as three-time Chair of the Association and hosted 4 conferences of the Association’s Executive Committee in Vietnam.

Since the 35^th conference of the ASSA Executive Committee in 2018, Vietnam has initiated measures to enhance the Association’s cohesion and adaptation. Vietnam has helped to connect ASSA with the International Social Security Association (ISSA). During a visit to Vietnam by ISSA’s Secretary General in February, 2020, the two Associations discussed cooperative opportunities and good practices around the world.

Nguyen Tien Thanh, Director of the International Cooperation Department of Vietnam’s Social Insurance, said: “Vietnam is a reliable friend and partner and an active member of ASEAN. At recent ASEAN summits, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has confirmed that Vietnam plays a key role in leading ASEAN activities. Vietnam’s social insurance will work to connect and direct ASSA activities to realize initiatives, including medical reserves and the ASEAN comprehensive recovery framework.”

Vietnam’s social insurance has connected regional social security networks in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and implementing ASEAN’s Comprehensive Recovery Framework.

“Vietnam’s social insurance will continue to implement the 2018 Nha Trang Joint Statement and the ASSA Joint Action Framework. Vietnam’s social insurance will bridge ASEAN’s Social Security Association and the international network and promote harmonious multilateral and bilateral diplomacy,” Thanh said.

Vietnam’s Social Insurance’s contributions to ASSA have helped build a prosperous, advanced, civilized, and developed ASEAN under the “cohesive and responsive” motto of Vietnam’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2020 and ASEAN Vision 2025.