The ASEAN Smart Cities Network (ASCN) Annual Meeting was held online on July 17 with the participation of representatives from member countries and regional smart cities as well as their partners. The meeting was chaired by Vietnamese Minister of Construction Pham Hong Ha in Hanoi.
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Minister Pham Hong Ha spoke at the Conference
Speaking to open the Conference, Minister of Construction Pham Hong Ha said that: “The Covid-19 pandemic has been causing the negative impacts on the socio-economic development of many countries including ASEAN countries. As a result, the 3rd ASCN is a clear evidence for an ASEAN to engage and actively adapt to new challenges and opportunities”.
Minister Pham Hong Ha emphasized that the development of smart cities was a trend of the era. Smart city development required large investment capital and human resources. In particular, the participation of the private sector in the role of supporting resources, innovations and technological solutions was very important, in order to accelerate the effectively implementation.
After Vietnam joined ASCN in 2018, the Prime Minister issued the Project "Vietnam Smart Urban Development for the period of 2018 - 2025 and orientation to 2030", with 3 priority groups of contents including: Smart urban planning; Smart urban management and smart urban utilities. On the basis of interconnected database, many urban areas in Vietnam have had initial success in providing intelligent utilities in the fields of education, health, transportation, construction, environment... step by step optimizing urban development management, improving the quality of life of urban residents and creating opportunities for human development, leaving no one behind.
In 2020, Vietnam identifies the theme throughout the activities of ASCN, namely: "Smart Cities - Towards the community, identity and sustainable development for a cohesive, proactive and adaptive ASEAN". These activities are organized towards the following goals: Promote diversity in unity; promote active participation and solidary cooperation of members; promote agendas with partners outside the ASCN; promote private sector’s participation; maintain and develop ASCN dialogues.
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ASEAN Secretary General Lim Jock Hoi spoke at the Conference
As the rotating Chairman of ASCN 2020, Vietnam will strive to accomplish the set goals. If the Covid-19 pandemic is soon under control, and under conditions, Vietnam will hold the ASCN High-Level Forum at the end of 2020 to have more in-depth and comprehensive exchange of experiences and good practices in developing smart cities among nations, member cities and promoting external partnerships.
Minister Pham Hong Ha thanked ASEAN General Secretary Lim Jock Hoi for his interest in closely directing the activities of ASCN and desired ASCN members to improve their solidarity and determination in successful implement action plans in 2020, contributing to fulfilling the 5 priorities set by ASEAN 2020, including: Strengthening peaceful environment, connecting prosperity, developing community and ASEAN identity, fostering international partnerships and strengthening ASEAN institutional capacity.
Speaking at the conference, ASEAN Secretary General Lim Jock Hoi said that: “ASEAN countries have created the motivation to develop smart cities. This is a great opportunity for ASEAN countries to develop the inner strength of their cities while taking advantage of support from their partners to overcome the difficult period due to the impact of the Covid pandemic – 19”.
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The Whole Conference at Vietnam
According to ASEAN Secretary General Lim Jock Hoi, in order to develop an effective and sustainable Smart Urban Network, ASEAN countries need to strengthen digital connectivity with each country's urbanization strategy, as well as effectively connect the public sector with the private sector to increase potential and capital, seize opportunities for post-pandemic smart urban development.
Minister Pham Hong Ha took a photograph with the delegates at the Conference
The meeting also updated the situation and shared experiences in dealing with the Covid -19 pandemic in member cities; discussed with partners on the ability to contribute initiatives in the opportunity of joint cooperation in promoting the realization of smart cities.