ASEAN-Italy cooperation on four key pillars to create a sustainable and prosperous future

The ASEAN-Italy High-Level Dialogue 2025 is considered a strategic bridge for investment, innovation, trade and green development, contributing to shaping the region's economic future.

Speakers discuss ASEAN economic prospects at the 9th ASEAN-Italy Economic Relations High-Level Dialogue.

This year's event was organized under the chairmanship of The European House-Ambrosetti (TEHA) and Associazione Italia-ASEAN, with the support of the ASEAN Secretariat, Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee and Becamex Group, attracting more than 500 business leaders, ministers and representatives of international organizations from ASEAN and Italy.

Opening the era of green-digital-creative cooperation

In recent times, ASEAN and Italy have been considered two dynamic and complementary poles in international cooperation.

With nearly 700 million people and its role as a global manufacturing hub, ASEAN sets the standard for regional integration. Meanwhile, Italy, the heart of Europe, is a source of intellectual inspiration, design and technology.

Scene of the 9th ASEAN-Italy High-Level Dialogue on Economic Relations in 2025.

Outstanding achievements in the Vietnam-Italy and ASEAN cooperation include: Two-way trade turnover increased by 38%, reaching nearly 20 billion USD. Italian direct investment in ASEAN exceeded 7.7 billion euros. Cooperation expanded in the fields of high-tech industry, renewable energy, logistics, education and innovation.

Vietnam continues to affirm its role as a reliable bridge in international cooperation. Vietnam-Italy trade in 2024 will reach nearly 7 billion USD, up 13% over the previous year. Italy currently has 162 investment projects in Vietnam with a total capital of over 620 million USD.

The transition from low-cost labor to a knowledge-based, technological and creative economy is being accelerated. This is an important step in opening an era of green-digital-creative cooperation between Vietnam, ASEAN and international partners, contributing to creating a sustainable and prosperous future for the region.

Mr. Nguyen Hoan Vu, General Director of Becamex Group, spoke at the forum.

At the 9th ASEAN-Italy High-Level Dialogue, the parties agreed to develop four key strategic cooperation orientations to promote sustainable and innovative development. These are: NetZero Path: Building a green, circular and inclusive economy. Vietnam commits to achieving the goal of net zero emissions by 2050, towards sustainable development and environmental protection.

Smart manufacturing 4.0-5.0: Putting people at the center, applying advanced technology to serve creativity and improve labor productivity.

New generation infrastructure: Developing multimodal connections, building green cities and sustainable logistics systems, contributing to improving quality of life and economic efficiency.

Innovation and digital transformation: Vietnam aims for the digital economy to account for 30% of GDP by 2030, promoting comprehensive digital transformation in all fields.

Ready to initiate practical cooperation initiatives and projects

This is the first time the High-Level Dialogue on ASEAN-Italy Economic Relations has been held in Vietnam after the merger of Ho Chi Minh City with Binh Duong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau, marking a turning point in building an international megacity in Southeast Asia.

The event was held in Binh Duong ward - the 4.0-5.0 industrial center of Ho Chi Minh City, not only affirming the city's position as a national economic locomotive but also demonstrating a strategic vision in promoting high-tech industries and the digital economy.

Member of the Party Central Committee, Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Van Duoc spoke.

Speaking at the conference, Party Central Committee member and Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Van Duoc emphasized that the High-Level Dialogue on ASEAN-Italy Economic Relations takes place at a time of great significance, when Vietnam in general and Ho Chi Minh City in particular are entering a historic period of transformation to enter a new era of development.

The merger of Ho Chi Minh City with Binh Duong and Ba Ria Vung Tau provinces is a particularly important milestone, marking the convergence of three economic centers and three dynamic growth poles, forming the largest urban-industrial-seaport region in the country and having an important position in the region.

The Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee said that, on the basis of vibrant cooperation with ASEAN partners as well as close relations with potential Italian partners, Ho Chi Minh City has favorable conditions to play the role of a connecting point in promoting exchange and cooperation between Italy and ASEAN, especially in the context of Italy strengthening relations with the ASEAN region and considering ASEAN as one of its key partners.

As the largest economic, financial and commercial center of the country, the gateway for Vietnam's trade with the world, Ho Chi Minh City is ready to coordinate with representative agencies, promotion organizations and the Italian business community in strengthening connections and expanding economic cooperation activities with ASEAN countries, thereby promoting the deepening of the Vietnam-Italy Strategic Partnership as well as economic and trade relations between Italy and ASEAN countries.

“With the spirit of 'discussing together, doing together, enjoying together', we hope that this Forum will not only be a place for parties to meet, exchange and share, but also inspire action, together initiating practical cooperation initiatives and projects towards achievements that bring prosperity and well-being,” said Mr. Nguyen Van Duoc.

Source: https://baohungyen.vn/asean-italia-hop-tac-tren-bon-tru-cot-trong-tam-tao-dung-tuong-lai-ben-vung-thinh-vuong-3187804.html