ASEAN-MERCOSUR Chair Launch Strengthens Cooperation Between Southeast Asia and Latin America
Mr. Marcos Bednarski, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Republic Argentina in Vietnam shared at the ceremony. Photo: TH.
On October 14, 2024, the Foreign Trade University (FTU) in Hà Nội marked a significant milestone by launching the ASEAN-MERCOSUR Chair. This initiative serves to enhance academic and diplomatic cooperation between two of the world’s most dynamic economic regions, ASEAN and MERCOSUR.
A Platform for Multilateral Dialogue
In her opening remarks, FTU Vice Director Phạm Thu Hương highlighted the importance of the Chair in building a sustainable partnership between ASEAN and MERCOSUR. “This Chair is not only a symbol of connection between ASEAN and MERCOSUR but also a platform to foster multilateral dialogues across various key sectors,” she said. The initiative aims to create a solid foundation for collaboration in sectors like trade, education, technology, and culture.
The launch of the Chair reflects the shared vision of both regions to deepen ties and leverage each other’s economic and academic strengths. It also underscores the growing strategic importance of fostering closer relations between Southeast Asia and Latin America.
Diplomatic Support for the Chair
The event saw strong diplomatic support from key representatives, including Ambassador Raúl Giampietro of Uruguay, Ambassador Marcos Bednarski of Argentina, and Ana Nogueira, Chargé d'Affaires of Brazil. Each representative reaffirmed their commitment to promoting stronger ties between the two regions. Ambassador Giampietro emphasized that the Chair would serve as an "academic bridge" between ASEAN and MERCOSUR, helping both regions achieve sustainable development.
Ambassador Bednarski, speaking to a large group of students, stressed the importance of youth in shaping future diplomatic relations, noting that the younger generation's participation would be crucial for building strong international ties. Ana Nogueira pointed to Brazil’s pioneering role in establishing early relations with ASEAN and expressed hope for further cooperation in areas such as economics, culture, and technology.
Vietnam’s Role as a Key Partner
Ambassador Ngô Minh Nguyệt, Vietnam's representative to Argentina and Uruguay, highlighted Vietnam’s strategic role in this partnership, positioning itself as a gateway to the ASEAN market. She emphasized the potential for collaboration in areas like agriculture, manufacturing, and technology. The Ambassador also expressed confidence that Vietnam’s involvement, along with the FTU’s experience in fostering international cooperation, would contribute to the long-term success of the ASEAN-MERCOSUR Chair.
Objectives and Future Activities
Dr. Ignacio Bartesaghi, the Coordinator of the ASEAN-MERCOSUR Chair, presented an overview of the Chair’s objectives, which include facilitating trade, technology exchange, and educational cooperation between the two regions. These initiatives will help develop skilled human resources, foster joint research projects, and contribute to the sustainable development of both ASEAN and MERCOSUR countries.
The Chair will serve as a research hub that promotes innovation and collaboration, providing opportunities for students, scholars, and businesses in both regions. As part of this initiative, students from FTU and the Catholic University of Uruguay had the chance to engage with diplomats and experts at the event, further strengthening academic ties between Southeast Asia and Latin America.
A Path Toward Sustainable Growth
The ASEAN-MERCOSUR Chair is expected to create lasting benefits for both regions by promoting bilateral trade, facilitating technology exchange, and expanding opportunities for cultural understanding. As the two regions look to the future, this initiative stands as a key step toward deepening their partnership, enhancing economic growth, and fostering global cooperation.
By establishing this Chair, both regions signal their commitment to a mutually beneficial partnership that will contribute to the global efforts toward sustainable development. The success of the ASEAN-MERCOSUR Chair will depend on continued cooperation, knowledge sharing, and a shared vision for the future.
This event marks a new chapter in ASEAN-MERCOSUR relations, with the Foreign Trade University in Vietnam playing a pivotal role in fostering collaboration between two regions rich in resources, innovation, and potential for growth. The initiative is set to expand not only economic and educational opportunities but also build bridges of diplomatic and cultural cooperation.
