Launch of ASEAN-MERCOSUR Program

The event was attended by Mr. Marcos Bednarski, Ambassador of the Republic of Argentina to Vietnam, Mr. Raul Giampietro, Ambassador of the Eastern Republic of Uruguay to Vietnam, Ms. Ana Nogueira, Deputy Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil to Vietnam, and Dr. Ignacio Bartesaghi, Director of the Institute of International Business of the Catholic University of Uruguay and Coordinator of the ASEAN-MERCOSUR Chair Program.

Attending the ceremony, on behalf of Foreign Trade University, there were Associate Professor, Dr. Pham Thu Huong - Vice Principal, leaders of units as well as many lecturers, staff and students of the University.

In her opening speech, Associate Professor, Dr. Pham Thu Huong, Vice President of Foreign Trade University emphasized: "The ASEAN - MERCOSUR CHAIR launching ceremony is an important stepping stone, affirming the common vision of the two regions in building a sustainable cooperative relationship. This is not only a symbol of the connection between ASEAN and MERCOSUR but also a platform to promote multilateral dialogues in many important areas".

Associate Professor, Dr. Pham Thu Huong , Vice President of Foreign Trade University delivered the opening speech at the ceremony.
Photo: TH.

At the ceremony, representatives of the embassies made welcoming speeches and pledged their support for the ASEAN-MERCOSUR Chair Program to promote trade in particular and cooperation in general between countries in the two regions.

Mr. Raul Giampietro, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Eastern Republic of Uruguay to Vietnam, expressed his deep gratitude to the Foreign Trade University for its efforts to become an academic bridge between the two regions. He affirmed that this cooperation will contribute to promoting the sustainable development of the two regions in the future.

Mr. Marcos Antonio Bednarski, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Argentina to Vietnam, shared his joy at the large presence of students. He emphasized: “Students are the future of each country and of the world , and your participation at this event is a testament to the important role of the young generation in building strong international relations.”

Mr. Marcos Bednarski , Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Argentina to Vietnam shared at the ceremony. Photo: TH.

Ms. Ana Beatriz Nogueira, Deputy Ambassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil to Vietnam, emphasized Brazil's pioneering role in becoming the first MERCOSUR country to establish relations with ASEAN. She also expressed her hope that in the near future, Brazil will continue to promote and further expand cooperation between the two regions in many fields from economy to culture.

Connecting with the program, Ms. Ngo Minh Nguyet, Ambassador of Vietnam to Argentina, concurrently to Uruguay, emphasized the great potential for cooperation between ASEAN and MERCOSUR - 02 regions rich in natural resources, young human resources and rapidly developing technology. She affirmed: " Strengthening economic relations will bring mutual benefits, not only promoting trade and investment but also opening up opportunities for technological cooperation, knowledge exchange and cultural understanding". Ambassador Ngo Minh Nguyet shared the reason for choosing Foreign Trade University (FTU) as the venue for the event, because it is not only a leading university in the field of economics and business but also has experience in organizing major international events and projects such as the WTO Chair Program in Vietnam.

At the ceremony, Professor Ignacio Bartesaghi, Coordinator of ASEAN - MERCOSUR Chair presented the ASEAN-MERCOSUR Chair program and expected activities to be implemented in the coming time in Vietnam.

Exchange with leaders of 3 Embassies as well as ASEAN representative - MERCOSUR Chair. Photo: TH.

Also within the framework of the program, lecturers, staff and students of the Foreign Trade University as well as students of the Catholic University of Uruguay who are participating in the short-term program at the University had the opportunity to exchange and ask questions with leaders of 03 Embassies as well as representatives of ASEAN - MERCOSUR Chair to learn more about the program as well as share expectations for the program's activities in the coming time./.

The ASEAN-MERCOSUR Chair Program was established in 2016 to promote dialogue and cooperation between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR), particularly in the economic andeducational fields. The ASEAN-MERCOSUR Chair is established as a research and cooperation center, with a focus on sustainable development, innovation and education. This initiative not only opens up opportunities for students, scholars and businesses from both regions but also creates lasting values, contributing to global prosperity and sustainable development.

Foreign Trade University is one of the leading universities in Vietnam in the field of economics and international trade. The university is committed to promoting international cooperation, providing high-quality learning and research opportunities for students, and contributing to the development of the global academic community.

Source: https://dangcongsan.vn/giao-duc/khoi-dong-chuong-trinh-asean-mercosur-680641.html