International Scholar: Vietnam Helps Strengthen ASEAN's Central Role

Mr. Enzo Sim Hong Jun, a Southeast Asian history and defense researcher, commented on Vietnam's role in ASEAN.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and the Vietnamese delegation are on a working trip to Malaysia to attend the 47th ASEAN Summit and related summits. (Source: VGP)

Scholar Enzo believes that since joining in 1995, Vietnam has helped the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) develop ideologically and expand inclusiveness.

According to Mr. Enzo, over the past 30 years, Vietnam has actively contributed to maintaining and strengthening ASEAN's core values ​​and principles. With its strategic position and outstanding strengths in economy , human resources, maritime trade and defense, Vietnam is taking advantage of these advantages to strengthen ASEAN's global position.

He affirmed that Vietnam plays an indispensable role in implementing regional connectivity initiatives, especially in the fields of energy and trade.

Specifically, in terms of energy security, Vietnam is one of the most important and indispensable countries for the success of the ASEAN Power Grid Plan (APG). APG is designed to connect the power systems of all 10 ASEAN member countries to enhance energy security, support renewable energy integration and promote economic growth.

Regarding its commitment to infrastructure development, Vietnam's priority in building necessary infrastructure for the APG shows its determination to contribute to the success of the initiative, thereby strengthening ASEAN's central role by reducing the bloc's dependence on external energy sources.

In terms of trade, Vietnam's strategic geographical position allows it to play an important role in connecting China with all of Southeast Asia.

In addition, Vietnam's assurance of road connectivity with China, demonstrated through agreements on high-speed railways connecting Kunming (China) with Vietnam, shows the importance of Vietnam in promoting large volumes of trade and goods circulation in the region.

This role of Vietnam is increasingly important for the future existence and economic integration of the region, especially in the face of trade protection policies from outside.

Vietnam is also making a major contribution to promoting regional economic growth through attracting trade and investment. Mr. Enzo said that Vietnam should maintain its current stance of cooperating with as many global partners as possible, from developing countries in and outside ASEAN to middle powers such as South Korea and Japan.

Vietnam's increased engagement with blocs such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is also in line with ASEAN's orientation of strengthening economic partnerships with many other countries and regions such as Africa and South America.

Mr. Enzo also held the view that Vietnam has demonstrated an “exemplary” diplomatic and defense strategy that helps maintain regional peace and stability, through a strategy of self-reliance and constructive dialogue.

Vietnam has played a prominent role in maintaining regional stability. Vietnam has adopted a dual approach, which has enabled it to keep its limits without provoking any unnecessary reactions. In this context, Vietnam is a very important factor for ASEAN in maintaining stability and peace in the Southeast Asian region.

Researcher Enzo emphasized that Vietnam's experience is an ideal example of how a country has successfully transformed its economy, becoming one of the fastest growing economies in ASEAN and actively contributing to regional integration.

This experience enables Vietnam to provide valuable guidance and support to Timor Leste on poverty reduction and economic development when the country joins ASEAN as the 11th member.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/hoc-gia-quoc-te-viet-nam-giup-tang-cuong-vai-tro-trung-tam-cua-asean-332250.html