The highlight of the meeting was 13 priorities proposed by Vietnam – the ASEAN Chair in 2020. The priorities will be discussed at the 26th AEM Retreat before reaching consensus for key tasks for implementation in this year.

The priorities are based on three main orientations, namely promoting connection and economic connectivity in ASEAN, enhancing partnership for peace and sustainable development and raising adaptation capacity and operational effectiveness of ASEAN.

Over the past years, Vietnam has participated in building the ASEAN Economic Community in an active, proactive and responsible manner, and promoting the implementation of commitments to form the Community has been one of Vietnam’s top priorities.