Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh proposed five pioneers to build a rich, prosperous and sustainably developed Asia.

According to VNA special correspondent, on the afternoon of June 25, in Tianjin city (China) within the framework of the program to attend the 16th Annual Pioneers Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF Tianjin Conference), Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh delivered the opening speech and was the keynote speaker at the discussion session "Is the Asian century facing challenges?".

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attends the discussion session "Is the Asian Century Facing Challenges?". Photo: Duong Giang/VNA

This is one of the most important and anticipated discussion sessions of this year's conference, with the participation of numerous delegates from government , business, academic, and international organizations.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh observed that in a world of political polarization, economic separation, institutional fragmentation, and development inequality, as well as a widening gap between rich and poor, Asia faces numerous challenges and difficulties, while opportunities and advantages are also present and increasingly widespread. Furthermore, Asia offers much faith and hope because the continent has a solid foundation in politics, economics, culture, and society.

The Prime Minister emphasized that, through continuous efforts at innovation and integration, Asia has accumulated potential, strength, resilience, and valuable experience to overcome all crises and risks. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that Asia will unite and cooperate to stand firm, act together to build and develop together so that no one is left behind.

The Prime Minister also believes that Asia has all the necessary foundations to continue developing, rising, and increasingly asserting its role as a pillar and leading engine in the global economy. This includes strong internal strength, unwavering resilience, a unique cultural identity that defines Asian values, dynamic adaptability, and its position as a focal point of growth.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks at the discussion session "Is the Asian Century Facing Challenges?". Photo: Duong Giang/VNA

To build a prosperous, thriving, and sustainable Asian century, the Prime Minister has proposed "5 pioneering initiatives" that have strategic significance for the continent.

First and foremost, Asia is at the forefront in steadfastly pursuing the goal of maintaining an environment of peace, stability, cooperation, and development, and persistently protecting the core fundamental values ​​in international relations.

Secondly, Asia is at the forefront of developing science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, green transformation, circular economy, and sharing economy; shifting strongly from "the world's factory" to "the global innovation hub".

Third, Asia is at the forefront of connecting value chains, promoting global economic linkages and integration. Asia must lead the new game, a new journey of "together we go - together we arrive - together we work - together we benefit - together we win" in the spirit of "harmonious benefits, shared risks".

Fourth, Asia is a pioneer in promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, and business development. It focuses on improving the investment and business environment, ensuring transparency, openness, and international competitiveness. In this regard, the WEF plays a particularly important role in attracting global businesses and investors to Asia.

Fifth, Asia is at the forefront of strengthening cultural and social connections, ensuring that people are at the center of all policies and development strategies. Respecting differences, uniting in diversity, promoting common ground, minimizing disagreements, and fostering inclusive and comprehensive connections, especially among the younger generation.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks at the discussion session "Is the Asian Century Facing Challenges?". Photo: Duong Giang/VNA

To contribute to this process, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh proposed two specific initiatives: the "Asian Innovation Network" and the "Asian Innovation Portal," aimed at strengthening connections between research institutes and universities in the region, while also supporting small and medium-sized enterprises. The Prime Minister affirmed Vietnam's readiness to participate and expressed his hope that the WEF, China, and other countries would cooperate, support, and assist in realizing these initiatives.

Following the opening remarks, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and the speakers discussed the global situation and solutions to address common regional challenges.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh discusses with speakers and guests at the panel discussion "Is the Asian Century Facing Challenges?". Photo: Duong Giang/VNA.

To overcome the challenges, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to maintain resilience, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to the goals of peace, cooperation, and development; ensuring fairness and social welfare so that no one is left behind. He stressed that this is also an opportunity for countries to reflect on themselves, their global relations, and restructure their economies towards improving labor productivity, economic quality, competitiveness, and responding promptly, flexibly, and effectively to external shocks. The greater the pressure, the greater the effort to strive for improvement.

The Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of solidarity and unity, upholding multilateralism and the core values ​​of each nation; every process needs leadership, a driving force, and sacrifice. He affirmed that building an independent and self-reliant economy alongside active and proactive integration into the international community in a deep, substantive, and effective manner is a common trend; however, countries need to ensure that this benefits themselves, Asia, and the world as a whole.

When asked about soft power, the Prime Minister stated that soft power is about effectively leveraging hard power and advantages and opportunities to create higher added value. For Vietnam, the concept of soft power has a broad understanding, encompassing sound and appropriate theoretical guidelines for national development; institutions that foster national competitiveness; the nation's glorious cultural and historical traditions; unity and solidarity; the skillful leadership of the Party; the aspiration to contribute, and especially the ability to unleash the power of the youth, the people, and businesses at the right time and place.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh discusses with speakers and guests at the panel discussion "Is the Asian Century Facing Challenges?". Photo: Duong Giang/VNA.

The discussion concluded successfully with a recognition of the vast opportunities and the need to strengthen cooperation for a more developed and prosperous Asia. The speech and sharing by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh left a deep impression on the delegates.

Pham Tiep (VNA)

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/thoi-su/thu-tuong-pham-minh-chinh-de-xuat-5-tien-phong-de-xay-dung-chau-a-giau-manh-thinh-vuong-va-phat-trien-ben-vung-20250626110353440.htm