Photo for illustration (Source: baoquocte.vn)
He also hoped that Vietnam would really strengthen the position of the bloc as a central subject in relations with powerful countries, in the context that some member countries tend to be pragmatic, focusing more on domestic problems.
According to him, the Chairman of ASEAN 2020 is an "example" for other Asian countries in the field of economic development, with the highest growth rate and the largest amount of foreign investment.
On that basis, Vietnam will play an important role in promoting regional economic integration, thereby enabling ASEAN to compete with the rise of China and India in order to attract foreign investment.
Commenting on the theme "Vietnam as ASEAN Chairman: Cohesion and proactive adaptation", Professor Aleksius, former Head of the Department of Social Science and Politics at Pelita Harapan University, said that this is a "good choice" of Vietnam for ASEAN Chair Year.
"It is good that ASEAN emphasizes that the association is a cohesive and weighted regional organization in relation to the powerful countries. We now need a cohesive ASEAN to maintain regional stability," he said.
ASEAN must share its voice before the powerful countries, as well as in dealing with important intra-regional issues, in order to maintain regional stability, which all member countries need to continue their economic growth.
Another important thing is that ASEAN must actively adapt to the rapid changes of the external environment, especially e-commerce.
Professor Aleksius hoped that Vietnam would try its best to promote economic development and intra-bloc e-commerce, thereby turning the ASEAN Economic Community into a production center of the world.
Meanwhile, it will also help ASEAN to become more cohesive and adaptive to deal with challenges from both inside and outside the region.
ASEAN needs a "leader" to foster relations with all powerful countries while pursuing its own strategies, and Professor Aleksius hopes Vietnam will play an important role in leading ASEAN to strengthen its cohesion and unity.
"We truly hope that Vietnam will play an important role as the ASEAN Chairman in order to maintain solidarity, thereby helping to enhance ASEAN's reputation as an emerging regional organization in the eyes of the international community," he said./.