The Lowy Institute partly attributed the country’s improved ranking over the past year to an increase in Vietnamese diplomatic influence index, judging that it has risen three notches to ninth place in comparison to last year. According to the Lowy Institute, the nation has been an effective participant in regional trade forums and initiatives, serving to promote negotiations for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership. In addition, as the ASEAN Chair the country has helped to ramp up efforts and accelerate the implementation of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership alongside 10 other member states. Furthermore, the past year has also seen the nation significantly improve its economic capacity, therefore moving up three spots in terms its national defence network index./.