The President said he hopes the forum continue being a communications channel for politicians, scholars, and businesses regarding key matters in the region.

Amid unprecedented challenges facing the world, no country could solve these difficulties by itself, the President noted.

He went on stating that only cooperation and solidarity could bring about success and join actions of nations are needed for inclusive and sustainable growth that ensures safety for the people.

Phuc highlighted a number of issues that require special attention from countries. They included promoting cooperation in disease control and prevention; ensuring opportunities to access vaccines at reasonable costs; maintaining macroeconomic stability and facilitating trade and investment; mobilising resources for sustainable and inclusive economic development towards the realisation of the 2030 sustainable development goals; and building synchronous infrastructure and developing human resources for digital transformation.

On Vietnam – China cooperation, he highlighted the two countries' collaboration in containing COVID-19 and sustaining economic growth to become bright spots in the region and in the world.

The President affirmed Vietnam’s wish for comprehensive, effective, and equal cooperation with China for mutual benefits so that the two could together overcome the pandemic, maintain an environment of peace and stability, and push for the strong growth of their ties.

The Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2021 (AC2021) is set to run from April 18 to 21 under the theme of “A World in Change: Join Hands to Strengthen Global Governance and Advance Belt and Road Cooperation”.

It consists of six modules - “Explore China”, “Understand the Changing World”, “Belt and Road Initiative Cooperation”, “Embrace the Industrial Changes”, “Dance with New Technologies” and “Development for All”.

Vietnam's President addresses 2021 Boao Forum for Asia

In his speech, President Nguyen Xuan Phuc stated that countries need to join hands to take action for inclusive, sustainable and safe development for all people. He also proposed four solutions to the forum.

Firstly, boosting cooperation in epidemic control and prevention, improving public health system capacity and ensuring countries have equal chances to access vaccines at reasonable prices.

Secondly, stabilizing macro economy, creating favourable conditions in trade and investment, dealing with foreign trade barriers, ensuring the activities of supply chains and strengthening production.

Thirdly, President Phuc stressed the need to mobilise necessary resources for inclusive and sustainable development to implement the UN sustainable development goals by 2030, especially in climate change response, clean energy, natural resource sustainable management and education.

Finally, building infrastructure and developing human resources for digital transformation.

He also welcomed joint efforts to boost regional link and economic connection with the framework of the belt and road initiative, voicing his hope that the initiative will contribute to recovering the economy post pandemic.

Vietnam and China are developing a joint plan to implement a memorandum of understanding on promoting connectivity between the "Two corridors, one economic belt" initiative and the belt and road initiative, President Phuc said./. VNA