A delegation from Da Nang, led by People’s Committee Vice Chairman Phung Tan Viet, is attending the 2015 ASEAN Mayors Forum which is taking place in the provincial capital of Makassar in South Sulawesi, Indonesia, between 8 and 10 September.

In his speech at the event, Vice Chairman Viet introduced participants to Da Nang's great strengths and potential.  He also presented some ideas that could help cities in the ASEAN region forge a common vision in the context of international economic integration.

He stressed the need for leaders of ASEAN member nations to develop a long-term socio-economic development strategy in order to promote the progress of their countries.

Vice Chairman Viet (second, left) at the event

Special attention will be paid to establishing the ASEAN Fund which will be financed from ASEAN countries and their businesses, and from such international organisations as the World Bank (WB), the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).  The fund will be used to develop transport infrastructure, and train high-quality human resources for its members to meet the international integration requirements.

The city leader emphasised the need for each of the ASEAN member nations to fully tap its great advantages, including natural resources, labour force and technologies.  He also suggested that the countries should give the opportunity to other countries in the ASEAN region, and in the world as a whole, to explore their own advantages for mutual benefits.

Focus should be on setting up an ASEAN business community or association.  Every year or every half year, participating businesses will have the opportunity to exchange and share their experience in management, product manufacturing, technology applications, markets and other aspects.

The above-mentioned ideas from Da Nang were highly appreciated by the attendees.

The ASEAN Mayors Forum is a forum for Southeast Asian nations.  This year’s event attracts the participation of representatives from 150 cities in ASEAN member nations, 33 others in Indonesia, and such international organisations as WB, IMF and ADB.