Vietnam leads Asean as it battles the Covid-19 pandemic

Last updated on May 7th, 2021 at 06:00 am

HANOI – As coronavirus continues to pose serious impact to the Asean region, Vietnam, as Asean chair, will have a big task on its plate to pull the region together the collectively defeat the common enemy the world is currently facing.

Vietnam have chosen ‘Cohesive and Responsive ASEAN’ as the theme for its chairmanship. “Cohesive” signifies unity, solidarity  and internal strenght of the region. Deepening the ASEAN values and identities and promoting the region’s partnership in the global community while “Responsive” represents proactiveness and responsiveness to challenges from regional to global situation.

The COVID-19 outbreak impacted the global and regional supply chains. Numerous Asean related events and conferences were postponed or even cancelled. Many countries are in total or partial lockdown to curb the spread of the virus. However, Vietnam was able to carry out its responsibility as the Asean chair by holding virtual meetings with Asean members and foreign partners. Vietnam as chair of ASEAN was able to unify member states on its fight against Covid-19.

Vietnam has successfully organized the Special ASEAN Summit on Coronavirus Disease 2019 last April to promote unity among its members and to act decisively in response to the pandemic. COVID-19 ASEAN Response Fund and regional reserves of medical supplies was established to help support the drive.

Vietnam was also invited to the G20 emergency online summit on COVID-19 last March to share their knowledge on their successful fight against the pandemic. Prime Minster Phuc reiterated the importance of being united at global and regional levels. Vietnam is demonstrating its leadership through proactiveness in promoting unity and solidarity among the Asean countries and external partners.