Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and leaders of other countries attending the ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit. – Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

The leaders shared insights on the long-standing relationships and strong connections between the three regions of ASEAN, GCC, and China, from the ancient Silk Road to vibrant maritime routes in Southeast Asia, and to the modern trade corridors of today. In a world facing increasingly complex changes, this Summit underscores the importance of multilateral cooperation, fostering a strategic framework based on mutual respect and understanding, and opening up broader development space for ASEAN, GCC, and China.

Leaders believe that ASEAN, GCC, and China can leverage their combined economic strengths, with a total GDP of 24,870 billion USD and a population of approximately 2.15 billion people, to complement each other and unlock immense cooperation potential, contributing to the prosperity and development of each region and the world.

Accordingly, the countries affirmed their commitment to promoting trade, investment, finance, supply chain connectivity, and market access for ASEAN, GCC, and Chinese businesses. They also emphasized the importance of collaboration in new areas such as digital technology, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy, along with cultural exchanges, educational cooperation, and tourism development. Additionally, they proposed new initiatives to enhance understanding and solidarity among the peoples of the regions.

The Summit discussed international and regional issues, expressing concern over the complex situation in the Gaza Strip. They affirmed their support for the peace process and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, endorsing a two-state solution in accordance with international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions. The Summit also underlined the importance of peacefully resolving disputes based on international law, ensuring maritime security, and promoting dialogue, cooperation, and mutual trust.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh welcomed the exchange and coordination between ASEAN, GCC, and China, creating a historic opportunity to shape a new inter-regional strategic cooperation framework. – Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

Shaping a New Inter-regional Strategic Cooperation Framework

In his speech at the Summit, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh welcomed the exchange and coordination between the three economic powerhouses of the world—ASEAN, GCC, and China. He emphasized that this presents a historic opportunity to shape a new inter-regional strategic cooperation framework for a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable future for all.

The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of focusing on trade, investment, and supply chain connectivity, without politicizing science, technology, investment, and development. He suggested leveraging existing frameworks such as the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement and proposed the signing of the ASEAN-GCC Free Trade Agreement. Additionally, he recommended exploring the possibility of establishing a comprehensive tripartite economic cooperation mechanism, including the potential for an ASEAN-GCC-China Free Trade Agreement. The Prime Minister also called for creating a more conducive business environment, deeper market openness, and more transparent and stable investment policies to enable businesses from the three regions to thrive in global supply chains for goods, services, and investment.

The countries affirmed their commitment to promoting trade, investment, and supply chain connectivity among ASEAN, GCC, and China. – Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

Prime Minister Chinh suggested prioritizing strategic and breakthrough areas. With ASEAN finalizing the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Digital Economy, he emphasized that this is the “golden time” to build a connected, safe, and sustainable digital space. He also proposed enhancing the connectivity of the ASEAN Power Grid, promoting green and renewable energy technologies, including green hydrogen, and developing a sustainable agriculture and food system, encompassing smart agriculture, circular agriculture, and eco-agriculture, along with a stable and sustainable food supply chain, including the Halal food industry.

Affirming that capital is the lifeblood of strong, continuous, and sustainable economic development, the Prime Minister suggested strengthening the connectivity between the financial centers of the three regions. He proposed the formation of a robust financial connectivity network among key regional centers such as Ho Chi Minh City, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok, Shanghai, Dubai, and Riyadh, creating an inter-regional financial ecosystem that propels cooperation between the three regions to new heights in the future.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh suggested strengthening the connectivity between the financial centers of the three regions. – Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

The Prime Minister expressed his belief that these orientations will create a solid foundation for the robust development of other sectors, such as tourism, cultural exchanges, and connections between civilizations in the three regions, laying a firm groundwork for deep, comprehensive, and long-lasting cooperation between ASEAN, China, and GCC.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed Vietnam’s commitment to continuing its role as a reliable bridge and responsible partner, ready to accompany and contribute to peace, stability, and shared prosperity for all people and nations of ASEAN, GCC, and China.

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