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The Vietnam - Southeast Asia Friendship Association of Ho Chi Minh City has coordinated with the Women's Union of Binh Tan district to co-organize a cultural exchange day of Southeast Asian countries themed "ASEAN - PROSPERITY COMMUNITY" and the talk show "Green and smart consumption" to practically celebrate the 57th anniversary of the founding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (August 8) and the 29th anniversary of Vietnam joining ASEAN (July 28).

Art perfomance at the event. Photo: HUFO

In her opening speech, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Hong Xuan, President of the HCMC Vietnam - Southeast Asia Friendship Association, introduced a general overview of the formation and development process of ASEAN from five founding member countries to become an organization with 10 member countries. The bloc made many efforts to overcome difficulties and challenges in the past, is gradually solving current challenges and orienting sustainable development in the future.

On July 24, 2024, she stated, the senior leaders of ASEAN countries issued a joint statement of condolences on the passing of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong on July 19, 2024, demonstrating the spirit of solidarity of ASEAN, standing side by side with Vietnam in the face of this great loss and pain. She described the action aims educate the younger generation of ASEAN about gratitude and living a purposeful life, contributing to peace, friendship and regional and international cooperation will be a priceless and lasting legacy.

These vivid evidences give us more confidence that, with the spirit of solidarity and cooperation, ASEAN will continue to reach out, affirming its position in the international arena, contributing to peace and sustainable development not only in the region but also in the whole world.”

For his part, Phonesy Bounmixay, Consul General of Laos in HCM City, stated that this year Laos assumes the rotating Chairmanship of ASEAN, and also celebrates the 57th anniversary of the founding of the ASEAN.

Also on the occasion of the 29th anniversary of Vietnam joining ASEAN, he congratulated Vietnam on its successes with many initiatives and efforts in enhancing the region's reputation in the international arena, especially in 2020 with the Covid-19 pandemic. At the same time, he expressed his sincere thanks to Vietnam for introducing Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia to join ASEAN, helping the organization expand from ASEAN 7 to ASEAN 10. This contribution has made an important contribution to strengthening cooperation and development in the region, he added.

Delegates at the event. Photo: HUFO

The highlight of the program is the discussion themed "Green and smart consumption" led by Associate Professor, Dr. Phan Thi Hong Xuan with the participation of special guests in the program.

Agustaniano Softian, Consul General of Indonesia affirmed that although there are similarities in products due to the same geographical area, it does not mean that ASEAN countries have to compete against each other but they can also complement one another, for example, Indonesian Arabica coffee can be combined with Vietnamese Robusta coffee.

Honorary Consul General Le Thi Phung talked about the Philippines' "green consumption," saying that it has long been popular in the Philippines. Businesses and consumers are all aiming to produce and use green - clean - environmentally friendly products. From food, drinks to cosmetics, jewelry and household items made from natural materials are always the priority choice.

Women representing their peers from 10 wards in Binh Tan district performed in Vietnamese ao dai costumes painted with the national flowers of 10 Southeast Asian countries. Photo: HUFO

Meanwhile, Lam Thi Ngoc Hoa, permanent vice president of the Ho Chi Minh City Women's Union, emphasized the role of women in moving towards a green economy, green and smart consumption.

According to her, in recent years, the municipal Women's Union has had many practical activities contributing to the country's green economy, such as the anti-plastic waste movement; green living models for women. The union also accompanies female entrepreneurs to develop the economy towards green and sustainable growth.

Database of Overseas Vietnamese Established to Better Ensure the Rights of Vietnamese Abroad Currently, Ho Chi Minh City has attracted more than 400 overseas Vietnamese experts to return home to cooperate and teach in universities and research institutes.

Celebrating 35 Years of Ho Chi Minh City Union Of Friendship Organizations Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations (HUFO) recently held a ceremony to celebrate its 35th anniversary (July 29, 1989 - July 29, 2024).