At the event

Co-hosted by the Foreign Ministry; the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs; the Ministry of Planning and Investment; and the provincial People’s Committee, the event aims to realise Vietnam’s initiatives adopted at the 12th ASEM Summit in Brussels in October last year.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Doan Mau Diep affirmed that the Vietnamese Government has carried out a sustainable development strategy through ensuring economic growth in tandem with social progress and justice, as well as strengthening the social welfare system for all citizens.

Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Quoc Cuong said countries are facing challenges regarding gaps in wealth, income and employment, gender inequality, terrorism, transnational crimes, cyber security and climate change.

He suggested that ASEM’s initiatives should be people-centred; bring practical benefits to them; uphold creativity of all walks of life, especially youths, women and girls; as well as improve economic empowerment for women.

The official spoke highly of strategic partnerships on sustainable development, ASEM’s effective projects on financial aid and technological transfer in Vietnam.

As one of the founding members of ASEM, Vietnam always gives high priorities to contributing to common efforts to enhance ASEM cooperation, he said.

The two-day event focuses its discussion on inclusive socio-economic development in the 21st century, the role and involvement of parties concerned, as part of preparations for the 14th ASEM Foreign Ministers’ Meeting scheduled for December in Spain.-VNA