ASEAN Community Addresses Digitization, Other Concerns

Despite the effects of the ongoing pandemic and complex, unpredictable shifts in the regional and international geo-political landscape, the ASEAN community has maintained solidarity and upheld its reserve, said Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) Vương Đình Huệ on Monday.

Photo Insert: Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) Vương Đình Huệ

Vietnam News reported that Vurong Dinh Hue was addressing the 42nd General Assembly of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA-42) which is being virtually held in Brunei.

In the past year, the world and the ASEAN region have faced tremendous difficulties and challenges posed by the pandemic, causing casualties and disruptions in the regional supply chain.

This has significantly impacted economic growth and exacerbated social inequality, including digital inequality and social welfare, he said.

More than ever, the pandemic has underscored the urgency of state governance, and adjustments of policies and development goals. It has also emphasized the demand for digitalization and a digital economy to respond to the pandemic and sustain socio-economic development, he added.

“Our Community has timely exerted collective efforts in response to the pandemic since its outbreak. As we weather tempestuous challenges, the close bonds and mutual sharing among ASEAN members and their peoples are further bolstered,” he said.

Via initiatives such as the ASEAN COVID-19 Response Fund, the Regional Reserve of Medical Supplies, and the ASEAN Vaccine Security and Self-Reliance initiative, ASEAN members have worked closely together to strengthen the responsiveness of each country and gradually contain the pandemic, he said.

In tandem with efforts to combat this pandemic, ASEAN is taking measures under the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework, in which innovation, digitalization, and the transformation of growth models are considered as drivers to foster a sustainable recovery, he said.

Digital connectivity

The pandemic also constitutes a catalyst for ASEAN’s endeavors to accelerate the digitalization of its economy, harness the Fourth Industrial Revolution, narrow the digital gap, and ensure digital equality, he said.

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