Da Nang proactively expands cooperation and integration with ASEAN
The “Meet ASEAN in Da Nang 2025” event slated from April 9 - 11 marks the beginning of a series of activities leading up to the 30th anniversary of Viet Nam's accession to ASEAN (July 28, 1995 - 2025). This event also affirms Da Nang's spirit of deep integration within the region. The achievements in investment, trade, and tourism cooperation provide a solid foundation for the city to pursue deeper and more meaningful partnerships, thereby enhancing its role and contribution to the dynamic and growing ASEAN community.
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| The “Meet ASEAN 2025” event is slated to take place in Da Nang from April 9 - 11 to mark the 30th anniversary of Viet Nam's accession to ASEAN (July 28, 1995 - 2025). IN PHOTO: Da Nang leaders and international delegates visited the exhibition “Friendship and Cooperation Cities” in 2025. Photo: THANH PHUONG |
Expanding cooperation with ASEAN
According to Director of the Da Nang Department of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Xuan Binh, recent years have witnessed the fine development in bilateral cooperation between Da Nang and ASEAN member countries in such spheres as trade, investment and tourism. The city has already set up friendly relations and cooperation with nine localities in the region, and is also a regular destination for many high-level ASEAN events. These activities not only contribute to promoting the image of Da Nang but also open up real connection opportunities.
Over the years, import and export turnover between Da Nang and ASEAN countries has shown consistent growth, particularly in textiles, raw materials, and electronic components. Currently, Singapore is the largest investor in the ASEAN region within Da Nang, with 31 projects totalling over US$ 838.6 million. It is followed by Malaysia with 18 projects valued at more than US$ 222 million in total; Thailand with 15 projects worth nearly US$ 65 million; and the Philippines with 8 projects totalling approximately US$ 11 million.
ASEAN is one of the important markets, with several countries in the region ranking among the top 10 international tourist sources for Da Nang. Notably, the city offers direct flights to 8 out of the 10 ASEAN countries, facilitating tourism development cooperation. Additionally, Da Nang has been selected as the host city for various high-level ASEAN events, including the 32nd Conference of the ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Information (AMRI) in 2023, the 28th Meeting of the ASEAN Senior Level Committee for Financial Integration in 2024, and the ASEAN Schools Games in 2024.
All aforementioned events showed the city’s growing position in the region. It can be affirmed that, in both bilateral and multilateral aspects, Da Nang is increasingly demonstrating strong and deep integration in the ASEAN region, Mr. Binh stated.
However, according to experts, in addition to positive results, cooperation between Da Nang and ASEAN countries is not commensurate with the potential of both sides.
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| The “Meet ASEAN 2025” event is slated to take place in Da Nang from April 9 - 11 to mark the 30th anniversary of Viet Nam's accession to ASEAN (July 28, 1995 - 2025). IN PHOTO: The “Meet Thailand” event in 2024 in Da Nang contributed to promoting economic development cooperation between the two sides. Photo: THANH PHUONG |
Maximising cooperation potential with ASEAN
ASEAN is a market that is geographically close to Viet Nam, and the localities in the region share many similarities in terms of scale and level of economic development. This proximity allows Da Nang to learn from the experiences of others and exploit resources by attracting investment from its partners that can support the city's socio-economic growth.
In the tourism sector, 8 out of the 10 countries in Southeast Asia have direct flights to Da Nang. In 2024, the city welcomed 4.2 million international visitors, with the largest numbers coming from South Korea and Taiwan (China), followed by other Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore.
Mr. Cao Tri Dung, the Chairman of the Da Nang Tourism Association, highlighted the city's appeal and its capacity for tourism services, underscoring Da Nang's prominent role in the region. He noted that Da Nang possesses a natural tourism ecosystem suited for Southeast Asian countries, with a convenient flight radius that allows easy access to major tourist centers in just 1 to 2 hours. This affirms Da Nang's potential for collaboration in developing tourism with ASEAN countries.
According to Mr. Dung, Da Nang aims to become a world-class tourism destination in Southeast Asia by 2030, with a vision to 2045.
The city will host the "Meet ASEAN" conference in 2025, which will include a discussion session on "ASEAN - Da Nang Tourism Promotion Cooperation". This initiative represents the city’s significant step toward achieving its goals, he added.
Mr. Dung emphasised that instead of passively waiting for tourists, Da Nang should proactively analyse the market, identify niche markets, and develop specific tourism products to engage each tourist group in the region more effectively.
In the investment sector, Da Nang has been implementing a series of large infrastructure projects such as Lien Chieu Port, a deep-water port capable of connecting maritime transport with ASEAN countries, creating new momentum for logistics and supply chain development.
Additionally, the city is promoting the establishment of a free trade zone and a regional financial centre, and the development of the semiconductor industry, a field in which many ASEAN countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia have strengths.
Mr. Low Zi Keat, Director of Whitex Garment Company Limited (Viet Nam), believes that Da Nang has great development potential, particularly in manufacturing and export sectors. The city is currently developing Lien Chieu Port, which will further enhance the transportation of goods to and from industrial parks, both domestically and internationally.
Mr. Low Zi Keat also underlined the need for the central coastal city to place a greater emphasis on automation and artificial intelligence (AI). There is a substantial demand for modern machinery in the garment industry, and ASEAN enterprises can play a crucial role as technological partners for Da Nang.
Mr. Nguyen Xuan Binh emphasised that Da Nang aims to turn itself into a financial centre and develop the semiconductor microchip sector in order to attract more investment from ASEAN countries. The city has been prioritising the training of high-quality human resources to support emerging industries and promoting collaboration in training and research with universities and research institutes in the region.
Moreover, Da Nang plans to expand local exchange programmes, enhance cooperation between grassroots governments, and establish twinning ties with with other cities within the region. These efforts are designed to strengthen people-to-people relations between Da Nang and cities in ASEAN, thereby laying a solid foundation for economic cooperation.
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The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was established on August 8, 1967. Viet Nam officially joined ASEAN on July 28, 1995, marking a significant milestone in its integration into the regional and international community. ASEAN plays an influential role in global issues, ranging from trade to international security, and is considered as the most successful regional organisation in the world. The "Meet ASEAN" 2025 event will take place in Da Nang from April 9 to 11. It is expected to attract approximately 200 delegates, including ASEAN Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) leaders and ambassadors from various countries, featuring a variety of meaningful activities. |
Reporting by THANH PHUONG - Translating by M.DUNG
