ASEAN Must Strengthen Its Strategic Values, Global Standing – Vietnam's To Lam

By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar

JAKARTA, March 10 (Bernama) -- The Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) secretary-general, To Lam, has outlined five key priorities for ASEAN to strengthen its strategic values and elevate its global profile, including the need for strategic self-reliance and economic resilience.

In his policy statement at the 30th anniversary of Vietnam’s membership in ASEAN at the ASEAN headquarters here on Monday, he emphasised the need for regional identity, effective norms of conduct, and collaborative problem-solving.

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He highlighted that ASEAN must ensure strategic self-reliance and agility to reinforce adaptability and responsiveness to the rapidly evolving challenges amidst strategic competition.

“ASEAN must act in a more coordinated and responsible manner, with internal cohesion being pivotal to resisting external pressures and maintaining an independent, balanced voice amid intensifying competition among major powers,” he said.

He said this requires greater consensus, achieved through consultation, dialogue and alignment of member states’ interests, as well as fostering a strong sense of community, with each member country proactively shaping shared goals, interests, identity and values.

On the economic front, Lam called for stronger economic resilience, emphasising ASEAN’s potential as a major global supply chain hub and becoming a strategic production hub for the world.

“ASEAN must embrace innovative development solutions and pioneer new growth engines in areas such as innovation, science and technology, digitisation and the advancement of green and circular energy, renewables, as well as cultivating a highly skilled workforce,” he said.

He further highlighted the need to balance economic growth with green, inclusive and sustainable progress, while urging ASEAN to position itself as a centre for technological breakthroughs, where scientific discoveries translate into “practical, impactful applications for socio-economic advancement”.

Lam also underscored the need to reinforce ASEAN’s identity and values, particularly through cultural connectivity and people-to-people exchanges.

“We must preserve and uphold the ASEAN Way as an invaluable cultural heirloom in the Association’s decision-making process,” he said, adding that ASEAN must put its people first, particularly in addressing pressing issues like food and energy security, and climate change.

Another key priority is enhancing the effectiveness of regional norms and conduct to maintain balance and stability amid major powers engaging in intensifying rivalries, and emphasising the importance of ASEAN-led initiatives as platforms for “genuine dialogue and cooperation”.

“ASEAN must maintain unity in its conduct and action, assert its centrality, and fully embrace its role as a connector and interlocutor,” he said.

He called for collaborative efforts in addressing ASEAN’s internal challenges, particularly in supporting Myanmar’s stability and assisting Timor-Leste’s transition to full ASEAN membership.

“Most importantly, ASEAN must proactively leverage the ASEAN Way to craft long-term, enduring solutions to challenges both within and beyond the region,” he added.

-- BERNAMA