The result bears the hallmark of Vietnam as the ASEAN Chair in 2020, a year of unusual challenges. 10 ASEAN countries, China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia, and New Zealand signed RCEP which is expected to boost economic growth in the post-COVID 19 pandemic.

RCEP members make up one third of the world’s population and 29% of global GDP.

Reuters said RCEP is one of the best results of the ASEAN Summit.

The Khmer Times of Cambodia wrote that Vietnam has made a lot of contributions to ASEAN as an active member. ASEAN’s 2020 theme “Cohesive and Responsive” shows Vietnam’s vision for a united and resilient ASEAN amidst global impacts.

Sputnik News Agency said Vietnam has fulfilled its task as the ASEAN Chair in 2020 with careful preparation and priorities.

Vietnam had double roles as  ASEAN Chair in 2020 and a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in 2020-2021.