Vietnam and Australia take on the role of co-chairs of the Southeast Asia Regional Program (SEARP) for the term 2022-2025 from Thailand and the Republic of Korea (Photo: VNA)

In his address at the second SEARP Ministerial Conference on Wednesday in Seoul, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son proposed areas of cooperation to enhance the partnership between the OECD and ASEAN. 

He emphasized the need to ensure all people benefit from digitalization, are trained and gain access to digital technologies. He also expressed a hope that the OECD will assist ASEAN in developing a low-carbon economy and implementing commitments made at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), heading to a greener and more sustainable future.
He also proposed that the OECD and its members help Vietnam in developing digital economy and realizing the National Programme on Digital Transformation to 2030. Vietnam also hopes to receive support in transforming the growth model and investing more in renewable energy, high technology and high-quality human resources training, he said.

Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son makes a speech after Vietnam takes on the role of co-chairs of the Southeast Asia Regional Program (SEARP) for the term 2022-2025 from Thailand and the Republic of Korea (Photo: Khanh Van/ VNA)

The ministers adopted a joint statement on the people-oriented future – partnership for a smarter, greener and more inclusive ASEAN.

Speaking after the ceremony to take over the position of the SEARP co-chair, Mr. Son pledged that Vietnam will work hand in hand with Australia, the OECD and other members to continue promoting SEARP operations to make greater contributions to the regional economic recovery and development with an unwavering policy of placing the people at the center of the process.