Mekong-US Partnership (MUSP): Promoting digital economic cooperation

Ông Nguyễn Mạnh Đông, Phó Giám đốc Học viện Ngoại giao phát biểu khai mạc chương trình

Mr. Nguyen Manh Dong, Deputy Director of the Diplomatic Academy, delivered the opening speech of the program.

This is the second time the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam has coordinated with the Stimson Institute (USA) to organize a Policy Dialogue within the Track 1.5 Policy Dialogue series within the framework of the Mekong-US Partnership.

This dialogue is co-organized by the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, Stimson Institute, US-ASEAN Business Council (USABC), USA.

The dialogue focused on the Digital Economy , with representatives from government agencies, academics, research institutes and businesses from the Mekong sub-region, ASEAN and international partners. Experts and policy makers exchanged views, shared experiences and discussed solutions to promote sustainable development in the region.

The dialogue took place over three days, including three plenary sessions, eight thematic discussions and one closing session. The main contents revolved around strengthening cooperation in the field of digital economy, promoting regional connectivity, developing e-commerce, building a common legal framework and expanding cooperation between government , academia and the private sector.

PGS.TS. Nguyễn Anh Tuấn, Khoa Kinh tế quốc tế, Học viện Ngoại giao điều hành phiên thảo luận chuyên đề (Ngồi ngoài cùng bên trái, trên sân khấu)

Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, Faculty of International Economics, Diplomatic Academy (far left on stage) moderated the thematic discussion session.

In his opening speech, Mr. Nguyen Manh Dong, Deputy Director of the Diplomatic Academy, co-chair of the Dialogue, emphasized the importance of the digital economy for the sustainable development of countries in the Mekong region, and affirmed the key role of MUSP in promoting sustainable development and regional cooperation.

Our delegation actively contributed to the discussion sessions. Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, Lecturer of the Faculty of International Economics, Former Deputy Director of the Institute for Strategic Studies, Diplomatic Academy, moderated the discussion session on Trade Facilitation. The discussion session focused on creating a more open environment for regional trade, promoting supply chain connectivity and enhancing the competitiveness of Mekong countries.

Through the discussion sessions, delegates shared the common perception that digital transformation is not only an inevitable trend but also a strategic factor for countries in the Mekong sub-region to make economic breakthroughs, narrow the development gap, and enhance national status. From that reality, delegates agreed on the need to further tighten multilateral cooperation, focusing on building a safe and effective data sharing mechanism; enhancing digital infrastructure connectivity to create a seamless digital space; promoting digital-based trade facilitation; and joining hands to improve public administration capacity as well as develop high-quality digital human resources.

The dialogue is an opportunity to exchange valuable experiences among stakeholders, contributing to building a common vision on digital economic development, promoting deeper cooperation and enhancing connectivity within the framework of the Mekong-US Partnership.