Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh introduced six key initiatives – including strategic autonomy, balanced foreign relations, and an efficient decision-making framework – to drive ASEAN’s growth and strengthen its global influence during his speech at the second ASEAN Future Forum (AFF) 2025 in Hanoi on Tuesday.

Held under the theme 'Building a United, Inclusive, and Resilient ASEAN Amidst Global Transformations,' the opening session of the two-day forum was attended by prominent leaders, including ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta, and Laotian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith, along with regional experts and scholars.

In his opening remarks, PM Chinh underscored the rapid global changes shaping the Asia-Pacific region.

He highlighted political polarization, demographic shifts, market diversification, supply chain restructuring, green economies, and digitalization.

While these trends pose challenges, they also offer ASEAN an opportunity to solidify its global standing and boost economic competitiveness.

Reflecting on ASEAN’s evolution, Chinh noted its transformation from a five-member bloc established 60 years ago into a dynamic ten-nation community today.

ASEAN now plays a vital role in regional and global integration, fostering dialogue and cooperation for sustainable development and peace.

The region is poised to become the world’s third-largest economy, with a projected GDP exceeding US$10 trillion and a consumer market surpassing 800 million people.

Additionally, ASEAN is set to become a hub for technological and digital innovation, with its digital economy expected to reach $1 trillion by 2030.

To achieve these goals, PM Chinh stressed the importance of unity, strategic foresight, and decisive action. He proposed three strategic priorities for ASEAN’s next era of development.

The first priority is strengthening ASEAN’s strategic autonomy by fostering greater solidarity and reinforcing its central role in regional affairs. ASEAN must maintain a flexible yet united stance in foreign relations to shape the global order while preserving regional stability.

The second priority is building economic resilience by revitalizing traditional growth drivers and pioneering new sectors, particularly in science, technology, and digital transformation.

Chinh urged ASEAN to take the lead in digital transformation, green economies, renewable energy, and global supply chain integration, thereby positioning the region as a strategic manufacturing hub.

The third priority is preserving ASEAN’s core values and identity, including consensus, unity in diversity, and mutual respect. He emphasized that the 'ASEAN Way' should be upheld and promoted as a guiding principle in international diplomacy.

To implement these priorities, PM Chinh proposed three critical action breakthroughs, the first of which involves establishing a more agile and effective decision-making mechanism.

This mechanism would introduce flexibility for strategic initiatives that drive transformative growth while still upholding ASEAN’s consensus principle.

The second focuses on enhancing public-private partnerships to mobilize resources for development.

Chinh emphasized the need for greater private sector involvement in infrastructure and digital economy projects while advocating for the removal of trade barriers to stimulate investment and cross-border commerce.

The final breakthrough aims to strengthen ASEAN’s connectivity by streamlining infrastructure development, expanding people-to-people exchanges, and harmonizing institutional frameworks.

By reducing bureaucratic inefficiencies and expediting decision-making, ASEAN can accelerate regional cooperation initiatives more effectively.

In addition to these proposals, PM Chinh highlighted ASEAN’s responsibility to adapt swiftly to emerging global trends and mobilize resources effectively.

He pointed out that public investment should act as a catalyst for private sector engagement, unlocking broader economic potential and fostering sustainable growth.

“ASEAN must strengthen its connections within the region and beyond, leveraging open institutions, seamless infrastructure, and smart governance,” Chinh stated.

He reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to ASEAN’s success, noting that the grouping is not just a regional organization but a vital strategic environment for Vietnam’s long-term development.

PM Chinh emphasized the importance of collective effort in realizing ASEAN’s aspirations.

“Vietnam believes in ASEAN’s unity, resilience, and strategic importance. We are committed to being a proactive and responsible member in building a strong, inclusive, and forward-looking ASEAN Community,” the official affirmed.

Vietnam's Deputy PM and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son echoed Chinh’s sentiments, describing AFF as a crucial platform for generating innovative and strategic ideas to complement ASEAN’s existing frameworks.

“Our goal is to make the forum a valuable addition to ASEAN’s decision-making process, helping shape its future in a way that best serves the region’s interests,” he noted.

The AFF, introduced by Prime Minister Chinh at the 43rd ASEAN Summit in 2024, is an open and inclusive forum – created by ASEAN, for ASEAN – where leaders, experts, businesses, and international partners propose and discuss initiatives to strengthen regional cooperation, ensuring that ASEAN remains a dynamic force on the global stage.

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