The building of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community and Vietnam’sparticipation in the process was the focus of a seminar held in Hanoi onJune 10.

Held by the National Assembly’s Committeefor External Relations, the event was in preparation for a hearing onthe ASEAN Community in mid-August.

2015 marks animportant milestone, as the ASEAN Community is set to be formed onDecember 31, encompassing the ASEAN Political-Security Community, theASEAN Economic Community and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community. TheASEAN Socio-Cultural Community looks to build a people-centred societyand enhance mutual understanding among ASEAN countries’ peoples.

Delegates said that the ASEAN Community is significant to maintainingpeace and stability in the Southeast Asian and Asian-Pacific regions.With the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community, the group intends to promoteASEAN socio-cultural identity, connecting countries during the regionalintegration.

A member of the ASEAN since 1995, Vietnam has fully participated in and had many initiatives contributed to the group.

Once the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community is formed, Vietnam will enjoy anumber of benefits, including more opportunities for labourers and moreforeign tourists.

However, it will face severalchallenges, including low labour quality and productivity compared withother ASEAN countries, delegates said.

Opportunitiesand challenges facing the ASEAN and Vietnam after the ASEAN Communityis formed were also under discussion. Participants contributed opinionsto help Vietnam integrate deeply into the ASEAN.-VNA