ASEAN
Anticipating Vietnam as ASEAN Chair 2010 - news clippings
Ms. Wahyuningrum (Yuyun)
I would like to draw your attention to the development of some activities that have been taken by Viet Nam as the ASEAN chair 2010. I have gathered some news from different sources and I wish to share with you the findings. Since there are so many articles, so I hope it is alright for you that I summarize some of the important points as below:
- The government has appointed a National Committee for ASEAN 2010 to take care of the ASEAN events. This Committee, as reported, has nearly finish their task to prepare Vietnam as ASEAN chair, such as launching the logo for ASEAN 2010โas you can see below, creating the website for ASEAN 2010 at www.asean2010.vn, www.asean2010.gov.vn, determining places for more than 500 ASEAN meetings in Vietnam, setting the road map for the year, make timetable for the meetings, etc
- Deputy PM and FM, Mr. Pham Gia Khiem is the chairman of the Committee. Deputy PM Khiem stressed the significance and importance of Vietnamโs chairmanship of ASEAN in 2010.It was reported that he hailed members of the Committee and relevant ministries for close cooperation in implementing the Committeeโs working roadmap, and asked all ministries, branches and localities to continue coordinating and accelerating preparations for Vietnam to successfully fulfill its responsibilities next year.
- Vietnam chose the theme โToward the ASEAN Community: From Vision to Actionโ for ASEAN 2010. โ NOTE: Building the integrated community is the new mantra of ASEAN, so all advocacy and lobby should link โbuilding a communityโ for the message to find its relevance to ASEAN.
- The launching of ACWC will be in April 2010 during the first summit
- There will be a meeting in mid of the year of the 2010 on AICHR in Vietnam
- The 3rd ASEAN Forum on Migrant Labors will be in April 2010 as well. This meeting is strategic as the platform of dialogue between government, migrant workers, NGOs, trade union, and employers
- Vietnam also vows to tighten the ASEAN relationship with its dialogue partners. When ASEAN said about โdialog partnersโ it means donor countries such as European countries, Australia, US, Japan, UK, etc
- Vietnam determines that financial-economic crisis, energy security, food security, diseases, natural disaster and climate change as global challenges that ASEAN should work on to strengthen regional resilience. Vietnam has been vocal promoting adaptation, mitigation and technology transfer as ways to deal with climate change in different international meeting of leaders such as APEC, ASEAN-US Leaders meeting, Trans-Pacific Economic Cooperation, etc
- Post-Copenhagen, perhaps Vietnam will continue to voice the concern and wanted to be seen as the leading country in ASEAN to deal with climate change
- As Vietnam is the chair of the ASEAN-China Cooperation until 2010, Vietnam wants to enhance its cooperation to include politics, security, economy, trade, cultural and personnel exchange, etc. Vietnam had proposed to further the agreement of ASEAN-China cooperation by establishing the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area, ASEAN-China Center and the Declaration on the Conduct of the Parties in the East Sea (DOC). Need to check with key players from civil society on ASEAN-China FTA. As far I know, some NGOs in Indonesia suggested delaying the ASEAN-China FTA.
- As reported by the media, Vietnam will speed up the process of connectivity on the region, (connectivity was the theme of the 15th ASEAN Summit in Thailand), especially on the area of economics, trade, investment and transport infrastructure, cultural cooperation and people-to-people exchange and public awareness of being one community.
- On Youth engagement with ASEAN, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung hailed them as "the future of the ASEAN community" and asked them to work closely on regional issues, namely education, environment protection, economic integration and sustainable development
- On Civil society engagement โ PM Dung said that Vietnam will support practical efforts of civil society organizations. However there is no further explanation on what he meant by โpractical effortsโ in this regard. He also said that it is up to the civil society organization to inform their government in making important decisions. The latest statement actually put the tone that the engagement of civil society should be at the national level and not at the regional level. Just to note that according to the Chairman Statement in the 15th ASEAN Summit, engaging civil society now is the responsibility of ASEAN Chair and the ASEAN secretariat.
- There is an increasing support to the AIPA (ASEAN Inter-Parliamentarian Assembly). There will be the 31st AIPA Meeting in Sep 2010 in Vietnam. Although AIPA has been voiceless in ASEAN, perhaps, it worth to monitor and use the Women caucus of AIPA to raise issues on gender justice and the lack of governmentโs accountability
- During APEC meeting in last November 2009 in Singapore, Vietnam put forth a strong message to increase technology transfer, assistance for developing economic country to develop clean technology, mitigate impacts of the climate change and reinforce their natural disaster prevention. Deputy PM also pushed APEC to joint efforts to ensure the success of the Copenhagen Climate summit. This may be interpreted as Vietnam would like APEC to have a joint statement to support the binding agreement on climate change during COP15.
- Vietnam also suggested the preparation to the concluding Doha Round of Negotiation in 2010
- Indonesia, as a member of G20 and ASEAN, will lobby to make ASEAN become a member of G20. This means that Vietnam as ASEAN Chair should represent ASEAN in the next G20 meeting in 2010. I think, this is another area that Oxfam and other organizations to contribute to the position and statement of Vietnam as ASEAN chair to the G20.
- On APEC, apart of requesting this regional body to put ASEAN as its center of economic and trade cooperation, leaders also pointed out that economic and technological cooperation, and human security as the main pillars of countries member of APEC work together.
Vietnam set to take over as ASEAN chair, unveils logo, website
The National Committee for ASEAN 2010 unveiled the symbol and website for Vietnamโs chairmanship of the Southeast Asian bloc next year at a ceremony held in Hanoi October 19.The committee chose Ngo Anh Coโs work out of 205 entries from 76 artists. The idea for the logo came from a three-vane pinwheel, a simple game that is popular in Vietnam.
The three rings nestling together show the association between AESAN members in three main pilars -- politics and security, economics, and culture and society.
The red ring stands for political stability and security, the blue ring for a prosperous economy, and the green ring for hope.
They also show ASEANโs willing to broaden cooperation with countries outside the community.
The symbol will be used in all ASEAN conferences and activities that will be held in Vietnam during 2010.
The website is at http://www.asean2010.vn or http://www.asean2010.gov.vn.
Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Khiem, who spoke at the ceremony, said Vietnamโs chairmanship of ASEAN 2010 is a significant event which reflects Vietnamโs role and position as an active and positive member of ASEAN which contributes its best to building a strong and united organization.
Vietnam takes over the chair in the new year and will hold it for a year.
By Th.Nam โ Translated by Hong Ha
Source: http://www.saigon-gpdaily.com.vn/National/2009/10/75245/
APEC urged to join efforts for economic recovery
Vietnamese President Nguyen Minh Triet on November 15 called on APEC economies to join hands to bring the regional and world economies back to healthy and durable growth.President Triet made the request at the second retreat, themed โSustaining Growth,โ of the 17th APEC Economic Leadersโ Meeting, which was held in Singapore .
The Vietnamese leader urged APEC members to put forth a strong message towards the upcoming Copenhagen conference on climate change, and increase transfer of technology and assistance to developing economies to help them develop clean technology, mitigate impacts of climate change and reinforce their natural disaster prevention and control capacity.
He also made a number of proposals regarding the co-ordination in terms of both policy and action among APEC economies in a bid to ensure economic recovery and promote trade and investment.
At the session, leaders of APEC economies have pledged to maintain economic stimulus measures and put in place a comprehensive, balanced and sustainable growth policy to ensure durable economic recovery.
The leaders promised to join efforts to cope with challenges posed by climate change and work towards a successful outcome of the UN conference on climate change scheduled for Copenhagen, Denmark, next month.
They were also committed to open markets, refrain from imposing new trade and investment barriers, resist protectionism in any forms, and work together to the aim of concluding the Doha round of negotiations in 2010.
The 17th APEC Economic Leadersโ Meeting wrapped up on the afternoon of November 15 after adopting a joint declaration themed โSustaining growth, Connecting the Regionโ and a statement by APEC leaders on โA New Growth Paradigm for a Connected Asia-Pacific in the 21st Century.โ
On the sidelines of the session, President Triet held bilateral meetings with leaders from China, Russia, the US, Canada, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, Chile, Peru and the Republic of Korea to discuss ways to beef up bilateral co-operation and co-ordination at APEC and other regional and international forums.
The leaders of these nations all lauded Vietnamโs achievements in economic development and growth maintenance. They also pledged to collaborate with Vietnam when it assumes the ASEAN chair in 2010.
On the same day, President Triet attended an APEC high-level meeting on climate change which was held under the joint initiative of Australia and Mexico . (VNA)
Source: http://www.nhandan.com.vn/english/news/161109/domestic_ts.htm
President joins ASEAN-US Leadersโ Meeting
Vietnam will continue to make active contributions to the development of the ASEAN-US relationship, both bilaterally and multilaterally, especially in 2010 when the country assumes its role as the ASEAN Chair.
President Nguyen Minh Triet made the statement at the first ASEAN-US Leadersโ Meeting held in Singapore on November 15.
The Vietnamese State leader emphasised the importance of maintaining regular dialogues between ASEAN and the US at the highest level for the benefits of both sides.
He suggested the two sides further strengthen their multi-faceted co-operation, especially in economics and trade, as well as boost joint efforts in coping with global challenges.
โThe two sides should put up necessary resources to concretise agreements, particularly the Joint Vision Statement on the ASEAN-US Enhanced Partnership,โ he added.
President Triet also applauded the results of the first meeting between foreign ministers of Mekong basin countries and the US in July this year and suggested the two sides maintain an annual ministerial-level meeting and early implement specific co-operation activities in this framework.
The meeting, themed โEnhanced Partnership for Peace and Sustainable Prosperityโ, saw ASEAN and US leaders agree to work for stronger co-operation in areas of common interest.
The two sides will continue to implement their existing co-operation agreements, especially the Joint Vision Statement on the ASEAN-US Enhanced Partnership, as well as boost co-operation in politics-security, economics-trade, education and training, science and technology, people-to-people exchange, and in dealing with global challenges.
The leaders agreed on the organisation of ASEAN-US ministerial-level meetings on economics-trade, finance, and energy as well as an annual meeting between foreign ministers of Mekong basin countries and the US .
They also agreed on the establishment of a working group on clean energy and health co-operation in 2010 to boost the implementation of specific co-operation activities in each field and setting up a group of ASEAN-US famous figures, including politicians, businesspeople and scholars to study and propose measures to strengthen bilateral ties.
US President Obama affirmed that the US considers ASEAN a key partner in the Asia-Pacific region and wishes to enhance the multi-faceted relationship with the grouping.
He pledged to support ASEAN in building its own community, narrowing the development gap and implementing the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). (VNA)
Source: http://www.nhandan.com.vn/english/news/161109/domestic_ts.htm
Vietnam actively joins APEC activities: Deputy PM
A Vietnamese delegation led by President Nguyen Minh Triet has actively participated in all activities of the 17th APEC Economic Leadersโ Meeting (AELM), contributing to the success of the meeting.Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem stated this while granting an interview to Vietnamese reporters in Singapore on November 15.
He added that President Nguyen Minh Triet was one of the six leaders invited to deliver a speech at the APEC CEO Summit.
โWe have shared our experiences in coping with the negative impacts of the world economic-financial crisis and made specific proposals on strengthening member countriesโ co-ordination in policy and action in order to ensure the economic recovery as well as continue boosting investment and trade, and implement Bogor objectives,โ Khiem said.
According to the Deputy PM, the Vietnamese delegation also put forth practical recommendations on enhancing co-operation within APEC and suggested APEC members to join efforts to ensure the success of the Copenhagen Climate Summit.
Vietnamโs proposals emphasised technological transfer and assistance to developing members in developing clean energy, reducing climate change impacts and preventing natural disasters.
Khiem said that APEC members appreciated Vietnamโs recommendations on capacity improvement, human resource development, assistance for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), food security, fighting against trade protection and discriminations in trade and investment as well as narrowing the development gap.
โWe contributed many ideas to the APEC reform in the direction of improving the efficiency of the coordination between APEC and international organisations and economic institutions as well as inter-regional and subregional mechanisms and promoting ASEANโs connection programmes,โ he said.
President Triet had many bilateral meetings with APEC leaders to boost bilateral co-operation as well as co-operation in the framework of the APEC Forum, he said, adding that APEC leaders affirmed support for and theri willingness to coordinate with Vietnam when the country assumes its role as the ASEAN Chair in 2010.
The 17th AELM took place at a time when APEC was celebrating its 20th founding anniversary and its member economies were trying their best to weather the global economic-financial crisis and to improve the forumโs position and role.
In that context, the meeting achieved important outcomes. First, the APEC leaders adopted a joint declaration on โSustaining growth, Connecting the regionโ and a statement on โA new growth paradigm for a connected Asia-Pacific in the 21st century,โ reflecting the strong resolve to maintain growth and prepare for the post-recovery period.
The leaders agreed to join efforts towards a comprehensive, sustainable and balanced growth policy, support global endeavours, including the directions put forth at the G-20 Summit, and highlighted the importance of enhancing regional connectivity.
Dialogues with representatives from over 800 regional leading corporations at the annual APEC CEO Summit and the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) increased the awareness of the necessity for close co-ordination between businesses and governments to implement the directions regarding economic development and regional connectivity.
Second, the APEC leaders emphasised the need to keep markets open, refrain from creating new barriers to trade and investment, resist protectionism in all forms and work together for the aim of concluding the Doha round of negotiations in 2010.
Third, the APEC leaders pointed to economic and technological co-operation and human security as the main pillars of the APEC co-operation framework.
Fourth, the APEC leaders were committed to take more reform measures in a move to improve the operation efficiency of APEC and ensure that APEC remains a leading economic and trade forum in the region.
Deputy PM Khiem added that the first conference of leaders from 10 ASEAN member countries and the US President was held n the sidelines of the 17th AELM. The leaders agreed upon directions to strengthen the partnership between ASEAN and the US in the years to come.
โWe believe that the APEC, which accounts more than 50% of global GDP and 57% of global trade, will remain a growth momentum for the regional economy and participate actively in rebuilding the world economy, helping to tackle global challenges and affirming APECโs growing role in the world,โ the deputy PM stressed. (VNA)
Source: http://www.nhandan.com.vn/english/news/161109/domestic_ts.htm
RI to support Vietnam`s success as Asean`s Chair
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia will support Vietnam`s success as the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in 2010 as Vietnam is expecting, Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa has said.Marty made the statement when paying a courtesy call on Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung during a visit in Hanoi on Thursday.
He said Indonesia had an interest in making Vietnam`s leadership successful because Vietnam would "translate Asean`s Visions into actions," according to the Indonesian embassy in the Vietnamese capital on Thursday.
The mission was in line with the Indonesian expectations in making Asean more progressive based on the Asean Charter, he said.
During the meeting, Marty also said Indonesia`s relations with Vietnam were very significant and had great potential to be increased further.
Therefore, he said, he would make maximum efforts to futher cement Indonesia-Vietnam relations.
According to the embassy, Minister Marty also met with his counterpart, Pham Gia Khiem during the visit.
Marty had not only used the occasion to tighten their partnership but also to discuss various issues to increase the two countries` relations and cooperation in various regional and international forums.
During the meeting Minister Marty said the two countries` relations would be increased not only based upon traditional relations which had been good but also because of Vietnam`s great potentials.
The relations had to be exploited to boost cooperation in the fields of politics, economy, trade, investment, tourism, security especially on the two countries` borders, fishery and among the two countries` communities.
He said Vietnam had proven and demonstrated its responsibility when, together with Indonesia, it became a non-permanent member in the UN Security Council.
He said he believed Vietnam would be able to lead Asean to progress especially now when the organization was facing a defining moment.
He said Indonesia would fight so that an Asean representative would be able to sit in the G-20 in 2010. If it was successful it would be significant to Vietnam which as the Asean chair would then represent Asean in the grouping.
Marty`s visit to Vietnam was part of his tour of Asean member countries to introduce himself as the new foreign minister of Indonesia.
He has been to Manila before going to Vietnam and is scheduled to go to Bangkok soon.(*)
Source: http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/1259253766/ri-to-support-vietnams-success-as-aseans-chair
Vietnam to promote ASEAN Community building process as next ASEAN chair
HANOI, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam will actively promote the building of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Community as it serves the ASEAN Chair next year, said Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem in a recent interview with Xinhua."Vietnam will also try its best to play an active role to deepen the relations between ASEAN and its dialogue partners, "said Khiem.
Vietnam officially assumed the ASEAN rotating presidency for next year at the 15th ASEAN Summit which has successfully ended in Thailand recently, said Khiem.
Khiem said that at the summit, the participating leaders expressed the strong determination to strengthen the ASEAN cooperation and cooperation with ASEAN partners, and proposed measures to strengthen regional linkages in order to better cope with global challenges such as the financial crisis, energy and food security, diseases, and climate change.
The Deputy Prime Minister said that leaders of the ASEAN partner countries reaffirmed the importance they attach to the comprehensive cooperative relationship with the ASEAN.
The ASEAN partners are willing to further support ASEAN's community building and narrowing the development gap among ASEAN countries, and back the ASEAN role in regional cooperation frameworks, he said.
Regarding the challenges facing ASEAN, Khiem said that the current complicated and changeable international situation and the problems within the region put pressure on fulfilling the goal of building the ASEAN Community by 2015.
"ASEAN countries must cooperate actively in order to enhance regional capacity to address global challenges to ensure the sustainable development of member countries," said Khiem.
Being aware of these challenges, as the ASEAN Chair next year, Khiem said that Vietnam has identified the 2010 ASEAN theme as "Toward the ASEAN Community: from vision to action".
Vietnam would focus on pushing the ASEAN cooperation and integration, deepening the comprehensive cooperation between ASEAN and dialogue partners, strengthening ASEAN's role as the driving force for cooperation and dialogue processes of the region, improving the efficiency of cooperation schemes, and taking steps to mobilize suitable resources for realizing ASEAN's development goals, said Khiem.
Vietnam hopes that as the ASEAN Chair in 2010, it will help add to the momentum of ASEAN toward the goal of the ASEAN Community by 2015, according to the Deputy Prime Minister.
In assessing the ASEAN-China cooperation, Khiem said the ASEAN-China relations is defined as a strategic partnership and one of the most comprehensive and far-reaching foreign relations of ASEAN.
The ASEAN-China dialogue relations have seen rapid development in various fields and activities including politics, security, economy, trade, cultural and personnel exchanges and so on.
In the political field, China has always supported the role of ASEAN in the region. In economic area, ASEAN and China have become each other's fourth largest trading partner. Bilateral trade and investment cooperation have continued to expand and deepen, said Khiem.
Vietnam will work closely with other ASEAN countries and China to push the cooperation between ASEAN and China, and lift the ASEAN-China dialogue relations to a new height, contributing to enhancing the good traditional friendship between Viet Nam and China, said Khiem.
Source: http://www.chinataiwan.org/english/News/op/200910/t20091030_1125629.htm
By: Ms. Wahyuningrum (Yuyun), Policy Advisor - ASEAN Oxfam International
When: 7/2/2014
