Hanoi (VNA) – A seminar, focusing on promotinginternal trade and investment for a cohesive and responsive ASEAN, was held inHanoi on January 10.

Co-hosted by the ASEAN Secretariat, the Ministry of Industryand Trade, the Ministry of Planning and Investment, and the Economic ResearchInstitute for ASEAN and East Asia, the event drew nearly 120 delegates,including government officials, economists and corporate executives from thebloc and international organisations in Hanoi.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Industry and TradeTran Quoc Khanh called on ASEAN to stay united, ensure the implementation ofthe master plan on ASEAN Economic Community 2025 while promoting regionaleconomic connectivity, amid rising challenges such as trade competition andprotectionism.

Speakers highlighted the significance of promoting internaltrade and investment, proposed orientations to successfully realising the ASEANCommunity Vision 2025, and effectively upholding ASEAN’s central role amidregional and global uncertainties.

Participants also discussed barriers to regional trade andinvestment, including policies and mechanisms, ASEAN’s participation in theglobal value chain, and the development of logistics supply chain.

Concluding the event, Deputy Foreign Minister and head ofthe SOM ASEAN Vietnam Nguyen Quoc Dung said suggestions at the event willprovide a valuable source of references for ASEAN’s policymaking and researchunits to build a strong, united, sustainable and resilient ASEAN./.