VIETNAM has expressed robust support for Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship priorities for 2025, reaffirming confidence in the country’s ability to lead the regional bloc toward significant progress.
Bernama cited Vietnam’s Multilateral Trade Policy Department conveyed its belief that Malaysia will play a crucial role in advancing ASEAN's regional goals, especially in enhancing economic cooperation among member states.
“Vietnam prepared input and actively engaged in discussions at the 31st ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Retreat (AEMR31), showing full support for Malaysia’s priorities as ASEAN Chair in 2025.
“We are confident that Malaysia will continue to guide the bloc towards meaningful accomplishments, in line with the theme of ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability,’” the department said in a statement to Bernama.
The statement follows the AEMR31 retreat held in Desaru from February 22 to 27, where Vietnam’s delegation was led by Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan, accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During the retreat, leaders from Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade held productive working sessions with Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry, as well as with Malaysia’s Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, who chairs ASEAN 2025.
Additionally, discussions were held with the Philippines’ Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry and other ASEAN delegations.
These sessions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation, addressing trade issues, and resolving challenges in areas such as agricultural products and other shared interests.
The AEMR31 concluded successfully on February 28, setting the stage for future specialized work within ASEAN’s Economic Pillars to build a more robust and prosperous ASEAN Economic Community.
The retreat was held in conjunction with Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship for 2025, under the theme "Inclusivity and Sustainability," reflecting the country’s ambition to promote a more inclusive, prosperous, and sustainable ASEAN community. - March 2, 2025.
