Vietnam commits to playing strategic bridge role between Southeast Asia and Europe

Panorama of the ASEAN - Italy High-Level Dialogue Forum on the morning of November 13 - Photo: THANH HIEP

On the morning of November 13, the 9th ASEAN - Italy High-Level Dialogue Forum on Economic Relations 2025 opened at the Binh Duong Convention and Exhibition Center (Binh Duong Ward, Ho Chi Minh City).

Proud to be a strategic destination for European investors

Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung speaks online at the forum - Photo: THANH HIEP

In his opening speech, Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung affirmed that the event is not only an economic forum, but also a vivid expression of the long-term cooperation vision between ASEAN and the European Union (EU) in general, and Italy in particular.

The Foreign Minister hopes that the program 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.

According to Mr. Le Hoai Trung, Italy is a leading industrial country in Europe and plays an important role as a bridge between the EU and ASEAN. Italy's official status as a Development Partner of ASEAN has opened a period of deeper cooperation between Europe and Southeast Asia in the context of the global economic order being reshaped.

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 trading 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.

Minister Le Hoai Trung emphasized: "Ho Chi Minh City - a super city aiming for global stature in Southeast Asia - is gradually affirming its role as an international financial, science - technology and innovation center of Vietnam. The High-Level Dialogue Forum on ASEAN - Italy Economic Relations 2025 held in Binh Duong Ward, Ho Chi Minh City has special significance.

Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Van Duoc and other leaders attended the opening session of the ASEAN - Italy High-Level Dialogue Forum on the morning of November 13 - Photo: THANH HIEP

This event not only marks the expansion of geographical and administrative space, but also a step forward in development thinking, demonstrating the vision of restructuring economic space towards connecting people, technology and knowledge. This is a vivid symbol of the values that Vietnam always preserves, promotes and spreads in relations with international friends."

Looking to the future, the Foreign Minister stressed that Vietnam is committed to maintaining a transparent, stable and innovative investment environment, while affirming its role as a strategic bridge between Southeast Asia and Europe, in which Italy is a reliable partner of the region.

Vietnam is an important center of the global value chain.

Italian Ambassador to Vietnam Marco Della Seta delivered the opening speech on behalf of Ms. Maria Tripodi, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy - Photo: THANH HIEP

At the opening ceremony, Italian Ambassador to Vietnam Marco Della Seta delivered her opening remarks on behalf of Italian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Maria Tripodi.

The Italian Deputy Foreign Minister affirmed that this forum is a testament to the increasingly important role that Italy plays in the Southeast Asian region.

In economic cooperation, ASEAN-Italy relations have reached a significant level. Total trade turnover between Italy and ASEAN in 2024 will reach about 23 billion euros (26.6 billion USD). Of which, trade turnover between Italy and Vietnam will reach 6.9 billion USD, up 13.4% over the same period.

According to the Italian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, the main strength of Vietnam-Italy economic relations lies in trade complementarity. Italy provides high-quality intermediate goods such as fabrics, leather and yarn to support Vietnam's manufacturing industry. In return, Vietnam exports finished garments and footwear to Italy.

Ms. Tripodi assessed: "Vietnam is Italy's leading trading partner in ASEAN, while Italy ranks as Vietnam's third largest partner in the EU. These figures highlight the strength, balance and mutual benefits of the two countries' economic relations.

Vietnam's strategic location, rapid economic growth and participation in 17 free trade agreements – including the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) – underline its role as an important hub in global value chains.

Vietnam commits to its role as a strategic bridge between Southeast Asia and Europe - Photo 6.

Dr. Kao Kim Hourn - Secretary General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) - spoke online at the forum - Photo: THANH HIEP

ASEAN is a bright spot of global growth

Speaking via video at the opening ceremony, ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn emphasized that ASEAN continues to be a bright spot in global growth, with economic growth forecast at 4.3% in 2025, higher than the global growth rate of 3.2%.

To promote the potential for cooperation between ASEAN and Italy, Mr. Kim proposed strengthening cooperation in green transformation, smart infrastructure development and creative branding, towards the goal of sustainable and inclusive development according to the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.

Emphasizing "Siamo qui insieme" (We are here together) - the foundation of ASEAN - Italy relations, the ASEAN Secretary General emphasized that both sides are making efforts towards building sustainable values, aiming for long-term prosperity for the people.

Tuoitre.vn

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/viet-nam-cam-ket-vai-tro-cau-noi-chien-luoc-giua-dong-nam-a-va-chau-au-20251113123529474.htm#content-2