Vietnam advocates for enhanced OECD-Southeast Asia collaboration during Bangkok summit

Vietnam advocates for enhanced OECD-Southeast Asia collaboration during Bangkok summit

A Fresh Take:

Deputy Minister Nguyễn Minh Hang took the stage at the OECD Southeast Asia Regional Forum 2025, representing her role as the Co-Chair of the Southeast Asia Regional Programme (SEARP) for the 2022-2025 term. Amidst the natural light of Bangkok, Thailand, she urged a stronger bond between the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and Southeast Asia.

In her address on May 2nd, Hang emphasized the significance of teamwork during uncertain times, suggesting that SEARP would play a crucial part in fostering economic reform, regional integration, and sustainable development.

Stirring the audience with her eloquent speech, Hang presented three proposals for future collaboration:

1. Emphasis on Digital Evolution: By diving headfirst into the realm of digital transformation, green transition, innovation, science, and technology, Southeast Asian countries can unlock their full potential. The SEARP program should assist in these ambitious endeavors by offering tailored research, recommendations, and capacity-building efforts[1][3].
2. Global Governance Revamp: Hang proposed that Southeast Asian countries join forces with the OECD to help craft a fair, transparent, efficient, and future-focused global governance system[1][3]. This collaboration would empower Southeast Asia to have a louder voice in shaping international policies, making them more inclusive.
3. Mutual Understanding: To further the bond between Southeast Asia and the OECD, an ongoing dialogue is essential[1][3]. This dialogue aims to strengthen mutual trust, encourage Southeast Asia to align itself with OECD governance standards suitable for its unique position, and facilitate potential newcomers' integration into the OECD.

The conversation was lively, with participants exchanging ideas on ways to intensify the partnership, with keen focus on amplifying the region's voice in OECD decision-making[2].

In line with the forum, Hang engaged in bilateral discussions with OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann, Australia's First Assistant Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade Robyn Mudie, and Japan's Ambassador to the OECD Jun Shimmi[2]. Acclaiming Vietnam's impressive economic development and strategic approach, these high-ranking officials expressed their admiration for Vietnam's success as Co-Chair of the SEARP amid challenging global and regional economic landscapes[2].

With gratitude, Hang thanked the OECD Secretariat, Australia, Japan, and other OECD member countries for their invaluable support and cooperation. She reaffirmed Vietnam's commitment to contributing to SEARP and the OECD-Southeast Asia partnership, aiming to increase bilateral relations[2].

Looking forward, she asked for continued support from the OECD Secretariat and other member countries, especially to guide Vietnam through its new phase of development, focusing on enhancing institutions, improving the investment climate, revealing the secrets to innovation, and developing the private sector[2].

Earlier, in April, Vietnam and the OECD worked together on the OECD Economic Surveys: Vietnam 2025 in Paris. Hang shared Vietnam's development goals and priorities, advocating for a tailored roadmap that mirrored Vietnam's unique conditions and ambitions[1]. The member countries emphasized Vietnam's impressive development progress, its promising future potential, and the exciting investment opportunities it presented[1].

Deputy Minister Nguyễn Minh Hằng attended the OECD Southeast Asia Regional Forum 2025 in her capacity as Co-Chair of the Southeast Asia Programme for the 2022-25 term. Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The survey, which is periodically produced for member countries and key partners, offers an in-depth evaluation of Vietnam's entire economy and offers suggestions on furthering macroeconomic growth, fostering inclusive development, unlocking low-carbon growth solutions, and boosting productivity through trade and investment[1]. This comprehensive report has a strong influence on international development strategies[1].

[1] (af.mofa.gov.vn/en/item/66925/viet-nam-and-oecd-strengthen-cooperation-during-the-5th-inter-sessional-meeting-of-the-jcs-on-economic- affairs)[2] (vietnamnet.vn/en/politics/searp-co-chair-deputy-minister-nguyen-minh-hang-attends-oecd-southeast-asia- regional-forum-752172.html)[3] (oecd.org/regional/asia-pacific/thailand-2025-oecd-southeast-asia-regional-forum-embracing-global-uncertainties-promoting- regional- co-operation-and-deepening-partnerships.htm)

1. Deputy Minister Nguyễn Minh Hang, as the Co-Chair of the Southeast Asia Regional Programme, proposed a stronger collaboration between Southeast Asia and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in her speech at the OECD Southeast Asia Regional Forum 2025.
2. Hang stressed the need for digital transformation in Southeast Asian countries, suggesting that the SEARP program could offer assistance in areas like green transition, innovation, science, and technology.
3. She also proposed a revamp of global governance, urging Southeast Asian countries to collaborate with the OECD in crafting a fair, transparent, and future-focused global governance system.
4. To strengthen mutual understanding, Hang emphasized the importance of an ongoing dialogue between Southeast Asia and the OECD, aiming to facilitate the integration of newcomers and align with OECD governance standards.
5. Hang's eloquent speech stirred the audience, leading to a lively conversation on intensifying the partnership, with a focus on amplifying the region's voice in OECD decision-making.
6. Bilateral discussions were held with high-ranking officials, including OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann, who expressed admiration for Vietnam's impressive economic development and strategic approach as Co-Chair of the SEARP.
7. The OECD Economic Surveys: Vietnam 2025, a comprehensive report produced periodically, offers suggestions on furthering macroeconomic growth, fostering inclusive development, and boosting productivity through trade and investment.
8. In 2025, Deputy Minister Nguyễn Minh Hang will continue to work closely with the OECD, aiming to increase bilateral relations, enhance institutions, improve the investment climate, reveal the secrets to innovation, and develop the private sector.

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