The Vietnamese delegation to these meetings was led by Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien.

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Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien at the event

At the consultations, ASEAN ministers and their partners exchanged their views on regional and global economic situations in the past time. They also gave global economic predictions for 2022, updated each other on their respective nations’ COVID-19 prevention and control, and highlighted common efforts to boost post-pandemic recovery.

Discussing the negotiation for upgrading the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA), they said works should be accelerated to conclude the negotiation in September 2022.

They talked about Chile’s proposal to join the AANZFTA and acknowledged the ASEAN-Japan Economic Resilience Action Plan and Dialogue for Innovative and Sustainable Growth.

They also welcomed the U.K.’s official status of ASEAN dialogue partner since August 4 this year.

Their discussion touched upon such topics as sustainable growth, climate change response, digital innovation, financial services, trade-investment, the development of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises, and the mitigation of negative COVID-19 impacts on the economy.

Vietnam voiced opinions on orientations for economic cooperation between the grouping and its partners in the time to come towards practical benefits for Vietnam and ASEAN in general as well as improving the regional supply chain and sustainable development given negative impacts of the pandemic.

The consultations rounded off activities held within the framework of the 53rd ASEAN Economic Ministers' (AEM) Meeting and related meetings from September 8-15.

Source: VNA