Vietnam’s positive role generates momentum for ASEAN: Canadian expert
Given the current context of economies around the world facing post-pandemic difficulties, Vietnam's active role as a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is generating impressive momentum for the bloc, assessed Director of the Canada-Vietnam Trade Council Elizabeth McIninch.
The national flags of ASEAN member states (Photo: VNA)
Ottawa (VNA) – Given the current context ofeconomies around the world facing post-pandemic difficulties, Vietnam's activerole as a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) isgenerating impressive momentum for the bloc, assessed Director of theCanada-Vietnam Trade Council Elizabeth McIninch.
Talking to the Vietnam News Agency at the outset of Vietnam's 28th anniversary of ASEAN membership (July 28, 1995 - 2023), the specialisedcommunication consultant on Southeast Asia affirmed that the nation has trulybecome a mediator between bloc member countries and been playing a leading role inthis community of 650 million people.
Referring to Vietnam's principles of positivity, proactivity,and responsibility at ASEAN, she emphasised their significance, saying theydemonstrate the country's leading role and readiness to address challenges as an ASEANmember. The principles have contributed to making Southeast Asia a peaceful,secure, and stable region, and maintaining the rule of law in the mindset ofall members.
McIninch noted that along with many other countries in theregion, Vietnam has been working to accelerate the negotiation process for a Code ofConduct in the East Sea (COC).
The Canadian expert added it hasbecome a leading nation in renewable energy development and been promotingthe UN climate change goals for many years. She underscored Vietnam’s GDPgrowth, which is forecast to reach 6.2% this year and continue to rise to7-8% by 2030, calling it an impressive economic recovery.
McIninch also described Vietnam, the second-largest labourmarket in ASEAN, as a politically stable country with optimistic people, a goodeducation system, and a relatively young average age of around 30 years old./.
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The national flags of ASEAN member states (Photo: VNA) 
