Opening of the 9th ASEAN - Italy High-Level Dialogue on Economic Relations

On the morning of November 13, the 9th ASEAN-Italy High-Level Dialogue Forum on Economic Relations opened at the Binh Duong Exhibition Convention Center, Ho Chi Minh City.

Scene of the opening session of the 9th ASEAN - Italy High-Level Dialogue on Economic Relations.

Attending the event were Mr. Nguyen Van Duoc, Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee; Italian Ambassador to Vietnam Marco Della Seta and over 500 representatives of international organizations from ASEAN and Italy, diplomatic missions, businesses and domestic and international experts.

Mr. Le Hoai Trung, Secretary of the Party Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam attended and delivered the opening speech online.

In his opening speech at the forum, Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung emphasized that as an active, dynamic and responsible member of ASEAN, Vietnam always accompanies the region on the path of integration and sustainable development. Vietnam is proud to be Italy's largest trade partner in ASEAN, and at the same time a strategic destination for European investors - a place where trust, opportunities and potential for long-term cooperation converge.

According to Mr. Le Hoai Trung, ASEAN with a population of over 680 million people and a total GDP exceeding 4 trillion USD, is currently the 5th largest economy in the world, emerging as a bright spot of integration, growth and regional stability. Not only is it the center of global supply chains and a wide network of free trade agreements, ASEAN also plays a key role in shaping the new economic and security structure of the Indo-Pacific region, contributing to maintaining an environment of peace, cooperation and development.

“Italy’s official recognition as a Development Partner of ASEAN is a strategic step forward, demonstrating the shared vision and commitment of both sides in strengthening economic and trade relations, enhancing knowledge exchange and sustainable development cooperation, while opening a period of deeper cooperation between Europe and Southeast Asia in the context of the global reshaping of the new economic order,” Mr. Le Hoai Trung affirmed.

Minister Le Hoai Trung also emphasized that Vietnam is implementing the National Development Strategy for the 2021-2030 period, with three strategic breakthroughs: Perfecting the modern, transparent, and integrated market economic institution; developing high-quality human resources associated with science, technology, and innovation; and building synchronous, smart infrastructure, creating a foundation for a dynamic and sustainable economy. The implementation of these three strategic breakthroughs not only strengthens Vietnam's internal development potential, but also expands the space for cooperation between ASEAN and Italy.

Thereby, Minister Le Hoai Trung believes that the 9th ASEAN - Italy High-Level Dialogue on Economic Relations in 2025 will not only be a forum for policy exchange and idea connection, but also the beginning of practical cooperation initiatives and projects, contributing to opening a new phase of cooperation - deeper, more comprehensive and more substantial.

This year’s Forum is hosted by the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, Ambrosetti House (TEHA), the ASEAN-Italy Association, the ASEAN Secretariat and Becamex Group. This is a strategic bridge for investment, innovation, trade and green development between ASEAN countries and Italy, contributing to shaping the regional economy.

The forum is also a step by Ho Chi Minh City to realize the goal of turning the city into an "international megacity" of Southeast Asia, Top 100 most livable cities in the world and carrying out the mission of pioneering, leading and spreading development for the whole country.

Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Van Duoc emphasized that with its potential and strengths, the City is ready to accompany Italy and ASEAN in key areas.

Speaking at the opening session, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Van Duoc emphasized that with its potential and strengths, the City is ready to accompany Italy and Europe in key areas such as developing green economy, renewable energy towards Net Zero by 2050; building smart infrastructure, sustainable logistics and multi-center urban areas; international cooperation in education, research and human resource training; as well as promoting cultural exchange and creative tourism.

According to Mr. Nguyen Van Duoc, 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.

“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 create practical cooperation initiatives and projects - towards achievements that bring prosperity and well-being”, the Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee emphasized.

At the 9th ASEAN-Italy High-Level Dialogue on Economic Relations, the parties agreed to develop four key strategic cooperation orientations to promote sustainable and innovative development. These are: Net Zero Road; Smart Manufacturing 4.0 - 5.0; Next-generation Infrastructure; and Innovation and Digital Transformation.

Mr. Lorenzo Tavazzi, Member of the Board of Directors of the Ambrosetti European House, delivered the opening speech of the Forum.

Mr. Lorenzo Tavazzi, Member of the Board of Directors of the Ambrosetti European House, emphasized that this event also marked a strong shift in the way of cooperation, from the traditional trade model to cooperation based on high value, advanced technology and creative knowledge. This is the foundation for Italy and ASEAN to jointly build green value chains, develop research and development (R&D) centers, promote high-tech startups, and form green and smart logistics corridors to improve efficiency and sustainability in the supply chain.

According to Mr. Lorenzo Tavazzi, through the 9th ASEAN-Italy High-Level Dialogue on Economic Relations, the parties called on businesses, investors, international organizations and academics from both sides to join hands to contribute to building a peaceful, creative, prosperous and sustainable future for ASEAN, Vietnam and Italy. This is also a shared commitment and responsibility to realize the vision of sustainable development, promote extensive cooperation and improve the quality of life of the regional community.

Italy is currently Vietnam's third largest trading partner in the European Union. In the first 7 months of 2025, two-way trade turnover reached 4.3 billion USD, up 5.1% over the same period in 2024. Italy currently has 162 projects in Vietnam with a total registered capital of more than 624 million USD. In contrast, Vietnam has 11 projects in Italy with a total capital of nearly 700 thousand USD.

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; expanded cooperation in the fields of high-tech industry, renewable energy, logistics, education and innovation.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/kinh-te/khai-mac-dien-dan-doi-thoai-cap-cao-ve-quan-he-kinh-te-asean-italy-lan-thu-9-20251113112438414.htm