From May 16^th to May 17^th, 2019, nearly 180 delegates from 53 Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) member countries, as well as representatives from international and regional organizations attended a conference on promoting economic and social inclusion in Asia and Europe.

ASEM Conference opening ceremony in Nha Trang City (Photo: T.K.)

The conference, which took place in Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa province, is one of Viet Nam initiatives and was approved during the 12th ASEM Summit in Brussels last year.

Mr. Le Duc Vinh, Chairman of the People’s Committee of Khanh Hoa Province gave welcoming remarks at the Conference. (Photo: T.K.)

Participants shared experiences and discussed a wide range of issues such as global growth in the 21st century, the global inclusive growth in the context of Industrial Revolution 4.0, Asia and Europe's experiences for achieving the goal of "not leaving anyone behind", enhancing the role and engagement of stakeholders, as well as strengthening cooperation between the two continents on inclusive economic and social development with regards to inclusive socio-economic growth.

The conference emphasized the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development and the Paris Agreement on climate change as global frameworks that address the core issues of development, creating new impetus for economic restructuring and transformation of growth model to green economy, low emissions, enhancing self-reliance of people, communities and nations.

Many ASEM members highly appreciated the efforts and had consensus to continue close cooperation with Viet Nam, especially the South Central, Central Highlands and Southwest provinces, in implementing cooperation projects and programs aimed at achieving the objectives of inclusive and sustainable development.

After two working days, the Conference passed the Report to submit to the 14th ASEM Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Spain in December 2019 and the 13th ASEM Summit in Cambodia in 2020.

Khanh Do