At the World Economic Forum's (WEF) 2026 Annual Meeting in Davos, Vietnam made a bold statement about its commitment to fostering growth in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Vietnam's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Le Anh Tuan, led the delegation in proposing several key priorities for ASEAN's cooperation, aiming to strengthen the region's growth and resilience.
The country emphasized the importance of digital transformation, institutional reform, and a transition to a low-carbon economy, with a specific goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. These measures are designed to position ASEAN as a global economic powerhouse, with the potential to become the world's fourth-largest economy by 2030. The proposed priorities include developing trusted common frameworks for digital identity, data governance, and cybersecurity, promoting linked industrial clusters and technology transfer, and prioritizing sustainable and transition finance to mobilize private resources for green growth.
Vietnam also highlighted the need to accelerate the development of the ASEAN power grid and cross-border clean electricity trade to ensure energy security and inclusive growth. The country's participation in the WEF Davos 2026 meeting underscores its commitment to regional prosperity and its willingness to collaborate with other ASEAN members and international partners to achieve shared goals.
The WEF Annual Meeting brought together nearly 3,000 delegates from over 130 countries, including heads of state, government leaders, and CEOs of major international corporations. The meeting aimed to foster dialogue and cooperation to identify common interests and devise practical pathways for government-business collaboration. Over four working days, more than 400 panel discussions were organized, focusing on key themes such as cooperation in a fragmented world, unlocking new growth drivers, and building prosperity within planetary boundaries.
In addition to the main meeting, Vietnam organized events to introduce special mechanisms and policies for its International Financial Centre in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang to international partners, along with new investment opportunities in the country. These efforts aim to attract high-quality resources, green and digital finance, and innovation, thereby enhancing national competitiveness and supporting sustainable development.
Overall, Vietnam's participation in the WEF Davos 2026 meeting highlights its commitment to fostering growth and resilience in ASEAN, while also showcasing its readiness to collaborate with other countries and international partners to achieve shared regional prosperity.
