Brian Jeffrey
A recent meeting in Da Nang focused on “ASEAN-China Cooperation on Industrial and Supply Chains.”
Delegates examined the evolving industrial and supply chain trends, discussing opportunities and challenges for ASEAN and China. They proposed recommendations to enhance cooperation between the two sides.
Dr. Vu Le Thai Hoang from the Institute for Strategic Studies at the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam highlighted that ASEAN has been China’s top trading partner since 2020.
Both ASEAN and China face challenges from global economic fragmentation, climate change, and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. However, they can capitalize on their strengths in manufacturing, technology, and human resources for mutual benefit.
Dr. Vu Le Thai Hoang outlined Vietnam’s economic priorities, aiming to attract sustainable foreign direct investment (FDI) and advance high-tech projects.
“Vietnam intends to position Da Nang and other coastal cities as pivotal nodes in the ASEAN-China supply chain,” Dr. Vu Le Thai Hoang stated.
Vice Chairman Ho Ky Minh of the Da Nang People’s Committee emphasized the city’s policies to establish itself as a crucial hub in the Southeast Asian and Chinese supply chains.
Focus areas include information technology, electronics, and semiconductor manufacturing linked to the digital economy. Da Nang aims to develop Lien Chieu Port into a key logistics gateway for ASEAN and the Asia-Pacific region.
As the first Vietnamese locality with a Free Trade Zone, Da Nang aims to attract investments and become a socio-economic center in Southeast Asia.
Minh mentioned that the meeting facilitated scholarly discussions and proposed strategic solutions to enhance supply chain participation. Da Nang hopes to attract more partners and businesses for investment and collaboration opportunities.
