Participants express talks and discussions at the Preparatory Senior Economic Officials Meeting (Prep-SEOM) in Đà Nẵng city yesterday. VNS Photo Công Thành

ĐÀ NẴNG — Participants and officials from ASEAN member countries began the Preparatory Senior Economic Officials Meeting (Prep-SEOM) – one of the first activities preluding the 26th ASEAN Economic Meeting (AEM) Retreat – in the central city of Da Nang yesterday.

The main focus on the first day of the meeting was preoperational work for the AEM Retreat and related meetings to be held in the city from March 8-11.

At the Prep-SEOM, prevention measures and experience sharing in fighting the novel Coronavirus, or COVID-19, were discussed among representatives of member countries.

Discussions also touched on co-ordination among ASEAN members to boost economic development as a pillar in building the ASEAN Community.

In the morning and afternoon sessions, the Prep-SEOM concentrated on discussions and reviewing for approval Việt Nam’s initiatives and priorities offered for the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2020.

Participants also agreed on annual priorities in economic development and sought solutions for barriers in regional co-operation among ASEAN countries and between ASEAN with global partners.

Việt Nam’s priorities as chair aim to bolster intra-regional economic connectivity, promote partnership for peace and sustainable development and improve adaptability and operational efficiency of the ASEAN apparatus.

In the context of the spread COVID-19, Việt Nam has asked ASEAN for joint action to maintain supply chains for businesses.

At the SEOM, participants also evaluated the implementation and opinions offered among ASEAN members from the first meeting of SEOM from January this year.

The results of discussions at the SEOM will be reported at the 26th ASEAN Economic Meeting Retreat in Đà Nẵng on March 10.

Discussions will continue at the SEOM today.

Following the SEOM, the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) Consultation; the 26th AEM Retreat and AEM Caucus for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) will be held at Ariyana International Convention Centre from March 10-11. — VNS