Addressing a session titled "Is Asia's Century at Risk" within the World Economic Forum's 16th Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Tianjin, China, on June 25, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh called on Asia to play a leading role in connecting value chains and promoting global economic integration and linkages, according to a report from the Government News.

He went on to say that Asia should pioneer in advancing science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, green transition, circular economy, and sharing economy, making a strong shift from being the "world's factory" to becoming a "global center of innovation".

The region should take the lead in steadfastly pursuing the goal of maintaining an environment of peace, stability, cooperation, and development, while persistently upholding core values in international relations, the Vietnamese PM suggested.

He emphasized the need for Asia to be at the forefront of promoting the spirit of entrepreneurship, innovation, and business development while focusing on improving the investment and business environment and ensuring openness, transparency, and international competitiveness.

In this regard, the World Economic Forum (WEF) plays a particularly important role in attracting global businesses and investors to Asia, according to the Vietnamese leader.

He called on Asia to lead in strengthening cultural and social connectivity, ensuring that people remain at the center of all policies and development strategies.

The region needs to respect differences, unity in diversity, promote common ground, minimize disagreements, and foster inclusive and comprehensive connectivity—especially among the younger generation, the Prime Minister said.

To contribute to this process, he proposed two specific initiatives, including the establishment of the "Asian Innovation Network" and the "Asian Innovation Portal", aiming to fostering connectivity among regional research institutes and universities, and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Vietnam stands ready to participate in and looks forward to the WEF, China, and other partners supporting the realization of these initiatives, he stated.

Following his opening speech, the Vietnamese PM joined other speakers in discussing the global situation and solutions to address the common challenges facing the region.

He urged nations to remain steadfast, persistent, and determined in pursuing the goals of peace, cooperation, and development and ensure fairness and social security so that no one is left behind.

It is an opportunity for countries to reflect on themselves, reassess international relations, and restructure their economies toward higher productivity, better quality, greater competitiveness, and more timely, flexible, and effective responses to external shocks, the leader stressed.

He emphasized the importance of solidarity and unity, the promotion of multilateralism, and the core values of each nation, adding that every process requires leadership, a driving force, and a willingness to make sacrifices.

He reiterated that building an independent and self-reliant economy, while actively and effectively pursuing extensive and substantive international integration, is a prevailing trend.

Countries must ensure outcomes that benefit not only themselves, but also Asia and the world as a whole, he stated.