The Hanoitimes – A Vietnamese delegation led by the Chairman of the National Assembly (NA) Committee for Economic Affairs, Nguyen Van Giau, attended the 8th Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership (ASEP-8) Meeting in Rome, Italy, on October 7.
The meeting themed “The Role of Parliaments in Fostering Europe-Asia Dialogue, Sustainable Growth and Stronger Governance Structures“, attracted hundreds of delegates from 50 Asian and European nations, the European Parliament, and representatives from the World Bank (WB), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and other international organisations.
The meeting covered two discussions on “Economic and Financial Governance Structures” and “Sustainable Growth and Food Security”.
In his statement in the first discussion, Chairman Giau talked about the ongoing economic restructuring processes in many countries, including Vietnam while emphasizing the increasing role of legislative bodies in economic and financial management and governance.
Giau praised parliaments’ active participation in strengthening economic connectivity and integration processes and suggested ASEP member states intensify cooperation and the exchange of experience, and build dialogue and information sharing mechanisms between the legislatures to improve the economic and financial situation in each country.
In the second discussion, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Cao Duc Phat applauded the efforts made by national governments to ensure food security and sustainable development.
Over 1 billion people around the globe were suffering from starvation while the impact of climate change on food production is on the rise, he noted.
He shared Vietnam’s agricultural development experience over the past three decades and underscored the need to sharpen competitiveness to promote integration and cope with climate change.
Phat called for more assistance from the international community to help Vietnam achieve sustainable agricultural development targets.
“ASEP plays an important role in enhancing cooperation between member states and the international community for the sake of sustainable agricultural development and food security. Parliaments and governments around the globe should promote the exchange of expertise and technological transfers, and provide financial support for underdeveloped countries.” He said.
At a meeting on the sidelines of ASEP-8, Minister Phat and Italian Minister Maurizio Martina concurred to adopt a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation on agriculture, food safety and hygiene, agricultural trade and science and technology in the time to come.
ASEP-8 is part of the Asia-Europe Meeting 2014 (ASEM 2014) slated for October 16-17 in Italy.
VOV/Hanoitimes
Đăng ký: VietNam News
