Mr. Michael Michalak (Photo: vufo.org.vn)
When asked about Vietnam’s effort to maintain a leading role for ASEAN in the COVID-19 pandemic, former US Ambassador to Vietnam Michael Michalak, now Senior Vice President and Regional Director of the US - ASEAN Business Council, praised the Government and people of Vietnam.
During his time as the US Ambassador at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2006, Vietnam was a typical example of how to respond to the H1N1 pandemic. At present, Vietnam is once again praised for its COVID-19 pandemic control measures.
According to Mr. Michael Michalak, with the spirit of reform that has been maintained since Doi Moi, Vietnam's economy has developed stronger and more openly, a trend clearly shown by its membership in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic makes countries and businesses realize that global supply chains need to be moved and that they could not rely on China, or any single country, but that supply chains need to be diversified. Vietnam is in a perfect position to become a destination for businesses wishing to move their supply chains.
The former US Ambassador also mentioned recent conversations with some Vietnamese and knew that more than 10 large corporations and groups, including Apple, Google and Nike and many manufacturers, have installed the line, or are actively seeking industrial parks and preparing to move their supply chains.
In the latest survey on 160 world economies by The Economist, Vietnam is among the top 5 countries in terms of dealing with the pandemic and economic prospects in the post-COVID-19 era.
According to the US diplomat, while many countries are "submerged" with SARS-CoV-2, Vietnam is "walking on the water" and has the right to be proud, even though the war continues.
Not only is it a great destination for businesses seeking change, moving the supply chains and modernizing economic distribution systems, Vietnam is also a pioneer in the use of digital technology, in an effort to maintain continuity in ASEAN meetings, in the context of curfew and movement restriction.
The interest, active participation and commitment of other countries show that the special Summit on COVID-19 chaired by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc was very successful.
He and his colleagues are also using similar technologies in establishing teleconferences on business issues, interacting with government officials as part of the work of the US - ASEAN Business Council.
Mr. Michalak commented that with good control of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring ASEAN continues to maintain its activity and implement some important agenda items, Vietnam has scored great points in the eyes of international friends./.