Vietnam chairs ASEAN Economic Ministers' Retreat

Vietnam will host the 19th ASEAN Economic Ministers' Retreat (AEM Retreat 19th) and related conferences in Hanoi from March 7-10, 2013.

Illustration photo.

The announcement was posted on the official website of the Conference.http://aemretreat19.vnsaid that at this AEM Retreat, economic ministers from 10 ASEAN countries and the ASEAN Secretary General will focus on discussions to propose important initiatives and specific directions for 2013 to promote economic integration in the region with the goal of establishing an ASEAN economic community by 2015.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the 19th AEM Retreat will be held concurrently with the 3rd ASEAN-EU Business Summit (AEBS) with the participation of senior leaders of Vietnam, Minister of Industry and Trade Vu Huy Hoang, Minister of Brunei, EU Trade Commissioner, and ASEAN Secretary General.

This time, AEBS signed the Protocol amending some ASEAN economic agreements related to trade in goods and the Protocol on the procedure for amending or changing reservation commitments.

In addition, the 3rd AEBS also discussed the establishment of a public-private dialogue forum with the participation of ASEAN economic ministers, the EU Trade Commissioner and business communities from ASEAN and the EU; further discussing issues related to business activities, regulations and potential cooperation opportunities as well as existing problems between the two economic regions.

In addition, the 19th AEM Retreat is also held in parallel with important conferences including: The 12th AEM-EU Trade Consultation Conference to propose initiatives to enhance economic cooperation, facilitate trade and investment between ASEAN and the EU; AEM Consultation Conference, EU Trade Commissioner with ASEAN-EU businesses; 5-country Rice Ministerial Conference.

At the end of the conferences, Minister of Industry and Trade Vu Huy Hoang, Minister of Brunei, EU Trade Commissioner and ASEAN Secretary General will chair a press conference on the evening of March 9./.

According to (TTXVN) - LT