The G20 needs to strengthen global policy coordination, unite actions and promote multilateral cooperation to weather the COVID-19 crisis, says Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc. 

Attending the G20 Summit virtually held in Saudi Arabia, Vietnamese Prime Minister
Nguyen Xuan Phuc calls for joint actions to repel the COVID-19 pandemic.
(Photo: VGP).

Phuc made the proposal at the G20 Summit virtually taking place in Saudi Arabia on November 21.

Vietnam appreciates the important results of COVID-19 epidemic prevention of the G20 countries, especially in research and production of vaccines and promotion of macro-policy coordination in economic recovery, he told the meeting.

Vietnam welcomes the United Nations, World Health Organization, World Bank, International Monetary Bank and other international organizations to continue supporting resources in response to the pandemic, he continued.

He cited Vietnam-led ASEAN’s experience in COVID-19 response in 2020, saying all ASEAN member states have joined hands to bring the outbreak under control, restore the economy, and maintain the momentum of cooperation in order to build the united, resilient community by 2025.

Accordingly, he said the bloc has established the ASEAN COVID-19 Response Fund, the ASEAN Regional Reserve of Medical Supplies, the ASEAN Emergency Operations Centre Network, alongside implementing the ASEAN Comprehensive Recovery Framework, as well as signing the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

G20 summit is virtually held in Saudi Arabia on November 21-22

The Vietnamese Prime Minister also proposed that countries actively adapt to the “new normal” period, and synchronously and harmoniously implement economic recovery coupled with ensuring epidemic prevention.

He called for closer cooperation in building vaccine production and supply chains based on an equal and cost-effective approach, and at the same time improving the response capacity on a global scale.

We welcome and expect the G20 countries to first work on vaccine production agreements with global partners through technology transfer along with intellectual property protection, thereby speeding up production and distribution of vaccines on a large scale, Phuc said.

In addition, he went on to say the G20 countries should increase the sharing of experiences, technical and financial assistance for developing countries.

Along with the COVID-19 control, he proposed that the G20 countries facilitate cross-border trade and investment, maintain supply chains, especially for essential goods, food, and medical equipment.

Vietnam supports a fair, free, open, transparent, ruled-based multilateral trade system with the World Trade Organisation forming the core, Phuc stressed.

The Prime Minister also suggested promoting digital transformation into a new growth engine. He expressed his hope that the G20 will continue to increasing its pioneering role in forming global frameworks, agreements and rules regarding digital economy governance in order to take full advantage of the benefits of the digital economy, while still respecting national and international law.

Vietnamese PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc is attending the G20 Summit virtually held in Saudi Arabia on November 21-22 at the invitation of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

Leaders of the G20 countries are discussing key issues related to the fight against COVID-19, trade, investment, digital economy and sustainable development.