Deputy Prime Minister Phạm Bình Minh chaired a meeting in Hà Nội yesterday with representatives of ministries and agencies to review preparations for the World Economic Forum (WEF) on ASEAN slated for September 11-13 in the capital city.—  VNA/VNS Photo Lâm Khánh

HÀ NỘI — Deputy Prime Minister Phạm Bình Minh chaired a meeting in Hà Nội yesterday with representatives of ministries and agencies to review preparations for the World Economic Forum (WEF) on ASEAN slated for September 11-13 in the capital city.

He said the WEF ASEAN is a major and prestigious forum in the region, attracting high-ranking country leaders, international organisations and corporate executives.
Deputy PM Minh said the event will be one of the most important external activities of Việt Nam for the whole year, contributing to raising its stature and affording ministries, agencies, localities and businesses a chance to extend co-operation with leading corporations and understand development trends in the region and the world.

He stressed that the WEF ASEAN needs to ensure efficiency in terms of politics, external relations, economy and culture on the back of thorough preparations for reception, security and logistics.
Deputy PM Minh asked the organising board, ministries, agencies and localities to show their highest sense of responsibility and exert the utmost efforts to ensure that the forum will be a success.
They were also urged to popularise Việt Nam’s potentials, strengths and business environment during the event.

Việt Nam expects to welcome more than 800 leaders of governments, leading global groups, civil society organisations and media to the event.
A record number of regional heads of state and government will participate in the event themed ‘ASEAN 4.0: Entrepreneurship and the Fourth Industrial Revolution’, said the WEF’s press release.
In all, eight ASEAN countries will be represented by their prime minister, president or state counsellor. 
Among the registered heads of state or government are President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir bin Mohamad of Malaysia and Aung San Suu Kyi, State Counsellor of Myanmar, it said. 
Justin Wood, Head of Asia Pacific and Member of the Executive Committee at the World Economic Forum, said ASEAN is currently one of the world’s bright spots for economic growth, and their presence shows the commitment they have to ensure this remains the case as the Fourth Industrial Revolution expands and the geopolitical environment changes. 
Participants will discuss issues ranging from the region’s geopolitical friction points to entrepreneurship and employment in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. They will do so with the help of leaders of 100 early-stage start-ups. 
Issues to be discussed at the forum include Asia’s new balance of power, factories, the future of jobs in ASEAN, Asia’s economic outlook, accelerating the ASEAN Economic Community and ASEAN pluralism.

Topics surrounding the Fourth Industrial Revolution, including emerging technologies like autonomous vehicles, blockchain, drones and fintech, will be highlighted. The meeting will also include workplace sessions on topics such as sexual harassment at work and workplace 4.0. 
Việt Nam’s acting Minister of Information and Communications Nguyễn Mạnh Hùng is expected to preside over discussion sessions at the forum. — VNS