In an interview with the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)’s resident correspondent in Sydney on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Vietnam’s admission to ASEAN (July 28, 1995 - 2025), Huong said Vietnam continues to contribute to promoting ASEAN relevance and centrality through both adherence to its good traditions as well as adaptability to the new changing world affairs. It has time and again shown innovation, inclusivity and reliability in handling the ASEAN matters - from promoting the expansion of ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meetings with dialogue partners (ADMM Plus) to delivering charismatic chairmanships, including the one-in-the-history during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Dr. Le Thu Huong, Chair of the Australia–Vietnam Policy Institute’s Advisory Board

The scholar pointed out that the ASEAN Community provide a great platform for cooperation in many areas, including economic integration. In times of growing trade barriers, higher tariffs, and challenges to open and free trade, the ASEAN Economic Community is indeed essential. The ASEAN economies have solid foundations to advance their common market, enhance intra-ASEAN trade to offset reduced access to other markets, and uphold multilateral trade agreements they have previously signed.

Huong noted that the beauty of ASEAN is that any member state can champion an agenda and lead it within the group. Vietnam in the past has shown particular interest and commitment to several important areas, from maritime security and renewable energy to technological development. Vietnam can embrace a leadership role in areas of particular concern, and it has the diplomatic stature to do so.

According to the scholar, collective initiative and performance are the key to maintaining ASEAN’s strong position. Therefore, the bloc should continue to showcase leadership in relevant priorities for the region – be that trade, peace and security, or climate change - thereby affirming its centrality. Additionally, ASEAN member countries must also cooperate multilaterally to address emerging challenges and deliver practical outcomes for the region.

Looking ahead, Huong predicted that Vietnam’s role will remain strong, as long as ASEAN matters to the country’s foreign policy. As a growing economy with rising diplomatic stature, Vietnam is likely to maintain its position as part of the core group among key ASEAN members.

Source: VNA