In the three decades since, the country, consistently following a motto of being proactive, positive and responsible, has emerged as a vital force in ASEAN’s development, strengthening internal unity and consolidating the bloc’s centrality in regional and global affairs.
Stellar contributions
Vietnam has assumed the ASEAN Chairmanship on three separate occasions, in 1998, 2010 and 2020. Notably, after just three years of membership, the nation successfully hosted the 6th ASEAN Summit in December 1998. The event saw the adoption of the landmark Hanoi Plan of Action, which helped enhance cohesion, expand cooperation, and shape the roadmap for achieving the ASEAN Vision 2020.
    |
 |
|
The session for the adoption of the Hanoi Plan of Action and the Hanoi Declaration, on December 16, 1998, in Hanoi, held within the framework of the 6th ASEAN Summit from December 15–16, 1998 |
To realize the vision of a fully integrated bloc comprising all 10 Southeast Asian nations, Hanoi was instrumental in advancing the accession of Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar.
As ASEAN Chair in 2010, Vietnam sought to transform the bloc’s collective vision into concrete action. Key milestones under its chairmanship included the adoption of the first Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC 2015), the expansion of the East Asia Summit (EAS) to include Russia and the U.S., and the establishment of the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM+).
In 2020, amidst the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Vietnam fostered unity and resilience within the ASEAN Community, spearheading innovative responses such as the adoption of virtual summits. These initiatives not only enabled continuity but also enhanced the bloc’s adaptive capacity and post-pandemic recovery efforts.
Beyond its rotating chairmanship duties, the country has made lasting contributions to shaping the strategic direction of ASEAN. These include driving the completion of the ASEAN-10 vision, supporting foundational frameworks such as the Hanoi Plan of Action (1998), ASEAN Vision 2020 (1997), the Declaration of ASEAN Concord II (2003), the ASEAN Charter (2007), and the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 (2015). Vietnam remains actively involved in the ongoing formulation of the bloc’s Vision for 2045.
|
|
 |
|
The opening of the photo and documentary exhibition on the ASEAN Community, December 7, 2018 in Binh Duong province |
At the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Indonesia in September 2023, Vietnam proposed the initiative to host the ASEAN Future Forum as a complementary platform to the association’s formal mechanisms, offering a space for broad exchange of ideas and regional cooperation initiatives, contributing to the building of a resilient and sustainable regional community.
The inaugural forum, held in Hanoi on 23 April 2024, marked a major highlight of Vietnam’s regional diplomacy. Building on that momentum, the nation hosted its second edition in February this year.
A bridge between ASEAN and its partners
Over the past three decades, Vietnam has proven that its ASEAN membership has been a transformative force not only for itself but for the bloc as a whole. This is the prevailing view among numerous international scholars and experts.
During an interview with the Vietnam News Agency in Bangkok, Thai scholar Kavi Chongkittavorn stated that Vietnam has become one of the most active and innovative members of ASEAN. He emphasized that Vietnam has successfully leveraged ASEAN’s economic frameworks to drive domestic reforms while also expanding its influence both regionally and globally. This includes significant achievements in attracting investment, promoting trade, and fostering sustainable growth.
|
|
 |
|
At the ASEAN Future Forum 2024 and 2025 in Vietnam |
He expressed confidence that by 2045, Vietnam could lead ASEAN in economic integration and innovation. He envisions the country as a key driver of bloc-wide initiatives for inclusive and resilient growth, in line with the ASEAN Vision 2045.
The remarkable achievements Vietnam has made over the past three decades lay a solid foundation for its next strategic steps in deepening regional integration, affirmed Dinna Prapto Raharja, a researcher at Indonesia’s Synergy Policies.
Beni Sukadis, Senior Coordinator at Indonesia’s Institute for Defense and Strategic Studies (Lesperssi), stressed that Vietnam is widely seen as a proactive and assertive member in efforts to strengthen ASEAN’s internal unity and cohesion. On regional security, particularly the East Sea (South China Sea internationally) issue, Vietnam has maintained a clear and consistent stance, while playing a constructive and responsible role, especially in advancing the Code of Conduct (COC) negotiations.
Beni said he is confident that Vietnam will continue to serve as a pillar in shaping the region’s future direction. Strong economic growth, political stability, and increasingly mature diplomacy make it one of the key “balancing and connecting” members.
For ASEAN’s development and prosperity
Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, ASEAN Secretary-General, has praised Vietnam’s contributions over the past three decades, highlighting its role in promoting and preserving peace, stability and security in the region. He also commended its efforts in advancing ASEAN’s prosperity and deepening the bloc’s external relations, particularly with dialogue partners.
|
|
 |
|
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attends and delivers a speech at the ASEAN–Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on October 20, 2023. |
Vietnam today is an extremely important member of ASEAN, he stressed. Its development, transformation, and growth have made the country a vital partner politically, economically, and socio-culturally, helping make the bloc stronger, more resilient, and more dynamic.
He noted that Vietnam has helped elevate ASEAN’s presence at both regional and global levels, particularly as the bloc continues to expand its role through ASEAN-led mechanisms.
Looking ahead, the ASEAN chief expressed his belief that the country will remain a key driving force in ASEAN’s journey over the next two decades, supporting the realization of a dynamic, innovative, resilient, and people-centered ASEAN Community.
Indeed, over 30 years since joining the organization, Vietnam has swiftly integrated and played an active role across all pillars of ASEAN cooperation. Its sustained efforts in strengthening intra-bloc unity and fostering both regional and external partnerships have been integral to ASEAN’s growth and success.
Source: VNA