International Scholar: Vietnam Helps Strengthen ASEAN's Central Role

Enzo Sim Hong Jun, a researcher specializing in Southeast Asian history and defense, offered his assessment of Vietnam's role within ASEAN.

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

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

According to Mr. Enzo, over the past nearly 30 years, Vietnam has actively contributed to maintaining and strengthening the core values ​​and principles of ASEAN. With its strategic location and outstanding strengths in economics , human resources, maritime trade, and defense, Vietnam is leveraging these advantages to consolidate 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 Grid Plan (APG). The 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 infrastructure development commitments, Vietnam's prioritization of building the necessary infrastructure for the APG demonstrates its determination to contribute to the initiative's success, thereby strengthening ASEAN's central role by reducing the bloc's dependence on external energy sources.

In terms of trade, Vietnam's strategic geographical location allows it to play a crucial role in connecting China with the whole of Southeast Asia.

Furthermore, Vietnam's commitment to ensuring road connectivity with China, as evidenced by agreements on a high-speed rail line connecting Kunming (China) with Vietnam, demonstrates Vietnam's importance in promoting large volumes of trade and goods movement in the region.

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

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

Vietnam's strengthening of its ties with blocs such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is also consistent with ASEAN's orientation towards consolidating economic partnerships with many other countries and regions such as Africa and South America.

Mr. Enzo also believes that Vietnam has demonstrated an "exemplary" diplomatic and defense strategy that helps maintain regional peace and stability through its self-reliance and constructive dialogue.

Vietnam has played a prominent role in maintaining regional stability. Vietnam has chosen a parallel approach, thereby helping it keep limits without provoking any unnecessary reactions. In this context, Vietnam is a very important factor for ASEAN in maintaining stability and peace in Southeast Asia.

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 as the country joins ASEAN as its 11th member.

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