Vietnam looks towards ASCC goals for the 2021-2025 period
The Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA) held a national conference in Ho Chi Minh City on September 28 to discuss the implementation of a project on building and implementing an action plan to realise goals of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) until 2025 (Project 161), in both in-person and online format.
HCM City (VNA) – The Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA)held a national conf𒈔erence in Ho Chi Minh City on September 28 to discuss theimplementation of a project on building and implementing an action plan to realise goalsof the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) until 2025 (Project 161), in both in-person and online format.
The annual event brought together the ASEANSecretariat in Indonesia, the MoLISA, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, theMinistry of Industry and Trade, the Government Office, and various ministriesand agencies within the ASCC in Vietnam, along with leaders from southerncities and provinces. Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister ofLabour, Invalids and Social Affairs Nguyen Thi Ha said during 2021-2022, the MoLISAworked closely with ministries, agencies and localities to complete the action planto carry out the Project 161, with the majority of the goals outlined in the ASCCbeing incorporated in the five-yearand ten-year development plans of each ministry, sector, and locality. However, the implementation is yet to meetschedule during 2021-2023 due to COVID-19, the lack of resources and knowledgeabout ASEAN and integration, she admitted. She said the event should share knowledge aboutintegration issues in general and integration in specific interdisciplinaryfields such as labour, social affairs, environment, the connection betweeneconomic integration and social issues in the new context and the linkages betweennational, regional, and global integration, so as to raise awareness of officials atthe central and local levels. From Jakarta, Benjamin Loh of the ASEAN Secretariat shared insights online about ASEAN and the priorities ofthe ASCC for 2021-2025. During his presentation, he highlighted the implementationof the ASCC 2025 Master Plan, preparation of documents on ASCC's post-2025orientations, and the priorities and documents of the ASCC during Indonesia's ASEANChairmanship Year 2023. Delegates at the event agreed with a proposalto prioritise the allocation of resources, human capital, and financial supporttowards enhancing communication efforts about the Project 161 and general ASEANcooperation during the upcoming implementation. They also learned about the status of ASEANcooperation in each specialised field and the emerging issues related tonational priorities./.
The Vietnamese delegation voiced support for an initiative to build a comprehensive framework on care economy proposed by Brunei, Chair of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) in 2021.
Cambodia’s initiative on building a declaration on insurance linkage within ASEAN at the 27th ASEAN Socio Cultural Community (ASCC) Council Meeting has received strong support from Vietnam.
The 29th ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council Meeting took place in Bali, Indonesia, on May 7-8, with participants reaffirming their commitments to work together to realise priorities in the ASEAN Community’s socio-cultural pillar with people-centred initiatives.
Nghia affirmed that this is a milestone of special significance, affirming and honouring the the Vietnamese revolutionary press’s glorious tradition of 100 years of serving the revolutionary cause of the Party, serving the Fatherland, and serving the people.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
Illustrative image (Photo: VNA) 
