The Prime Minister made the above statement while addressing the ASEAN-Russia Business Forum in Kazan, Russia on June 17.

Le said this year's forum provides a valuable opportunity for both ASEAN and Russia to exchange strategic perspectives aimed at fostering broader, more substantive, more connected, and more resilient future cooperation amid global changes.

Given the rapid and complex transformations around the world, it is imperative for ASEAN and Russia to foster trusted partnerships, stable markets, and resilient supply chains, he said.

Building on the complementary strengths and potentials between ASEAN and Russia, the Vietnamese Prime Minister suggested both sides should work together to build stable, flexible, and resilient supply chains capable of withstanding external disruptions.

The development of transportation routes linking Russian Far East with Southeast Asian seaports and railways will not only help bridge geographical divides and facilitate trade but also unlock immense opportunities for cooperation and investment for the business communities on both sides, he added.

Le suggested businesses should make fuller use of existing economic cooperation frameworks, particularly the free trade agreements between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and several ASEAN Member States.

Drawing on its experience in promoting trade and investment cooperation with the Eurasian region through the Viet Nam-EAEU free trade agreement, Viet Nam stands ready to serve as a bridge, helping to deepen trade and investment ties between ASEAN and the EAEU as well as between ASEAN and Russia.

Prime Minister Le also suggested energy should be positioned as a key pillar of ASEAN-Russia cooperation as energy security remains one of the most pressing challenges to the growth and sustainable development of nations.

The potential for investment and collaboration between ASEAN and Russia is significant, particularly in clean energy, LNG, hydrogen, offshore wind power, and energy-efficiency technologies, he noted.

As energy has long been a cornerstone of the Viet Nam-Russia partnership, Prime Minister Le said Viet Nam looks forward to working with Russia and fellow ASEAN Member States to develop viable projects, particularly in clean energy and green technologies, thereby contributing to regional energy security and stability.

Prime Minister Le suggested ASEAN and Russia advance cooperation in technology, innovation, and digital transformation, adding that this will be one of the most important areas of cooperation between the two sides in the years ahead.

He affirmed that Viet Nam welcomes and stands ready to facilitate deeper cooperation with Russian enterprises in areas such as artificial intelligence, cyber-security, digital education, and digital healthcare.

Le also encouraged ASEAN and Russia to advance innovation cooperation programs, support technology companies and young start-ups, and foster a vibrant innovation system that connects the business communities on both sides.

As the Governments have the responsibility to create a stable, transparent, and enabling environment for investment and business, the business community, for its part, serves as the driving force in translating cooperation into tangible outcomes and strengthening ties among economies, said Le.

From that perspective, he encouraged ASEAN and Russian business communities to continue making long-term investments and to work together in building new value chains for the future that deliver mutual benefits.

Le also reiterated that Viet Nam stands ready to work with Russia and follow ASEAN Member States to transform potential into concrete projects, connectivity into business opportunities, and mutual trust into new driver of growth.

The ASEAN-Russia Business Forum, held ahead of the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit marking the 35th anniversary of ASEAN-Russia relations, also drew the participation of ASEAN Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul./.