Delegates at the retreat (Photo: VNA)
The retreat was attended by hundreds of delegates who are economic ministers of ASEAN member countries, economic officials and economic experts of ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ABAC).
Delegates highly appreciated the preparations for the retreat by the host country, ASEAN Chair in 2020. Mr. Suresh Kaliyana Sundram, a delegate of the Malaysian delegation, spoke highly of the preparations, adding that the security check system, body temperature measurement and Covid-19 prevention instructions are very helpful to ensure the safety of delegates. He also said that Danang city is very beautiful, and he felt safe and comfortable in the city.
Mr. Maspiyono, an ABAC member, said that he underwent medical check-ups in both Ho Chi Minh city and twice in Da Nang city. “Strict regulations were carried out to ensure safety for the delegates, and I feel safe for that,” he added.
Before going through the security gate, all delegates and reporters checked their body temperature. The organizers distributed face masks and antiseptic hand-washing liquid to delegates for preventing Covid-19.
According to Ms. Pham Thi Anh Hong, Deputy Director of Da Nang city's Emergency Center, the preparations and the preventive medicine plans for the 26th AEM Retreat were thoroughly made. The center prepared an ambulance and a 24-hour service team to ensure medical safety for delegates at the hotel, and a permanent service team at the retreat. “Apart from the disease prevention plans, the center prepared a backup plan for all arising situations such as accidents and poisoning,” she said. “Da Nang Hospital arranged medical rooms and was ready to receive and treat any possible delegate patients.”
The retreat approved Vietnam’s 12 prioritised initiatives on economic cooperation in ASEAN during the ASEAN Chairman Year 2020.
The initiatives focused on e-commerce, trade in goods, energy, information technology, agriculture, sustainable development, finance, statistics and innovation. They are designed towards the direction of promoting linkages and connectivity within ASEAN, promoting partnerships for peace and sustainable development, and enhancing the adaptability and operational efficiency of ASEAN.
Vietnam’s 13th initiative regarding international roaming fees also received support from the ministers, but they required further research into technical details before it can be officially launched./.