Mr. Tony Blair giving a speech

Under the co-chairmanship of Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son, the seminar was attended by many leaders from different universities and academies such as Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Trong Co, Director of AOF; Prof.Dr Tran Tho Dat, President of the National Economics University; Dr Vo Chi Thanh, Vice President of Central Institute for Economic Management; Economic Expert Pham Chi Lan and other delegates and reporters.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Trong Co, Director of AOF at the seminar

At the seminar, the former PM Tony Blair shared his own personal experience that can be applied in Vietnam. According to the former PM, there are three factors affecting the global economy:

First, a slowdown in China’s economy. The Chinese economy is facing some barriers after their econmic reform. Being invloved in China’s economy, Vietnam is influenced by this slowndown.

Second, the EU debt crisis.

Third, the financial crisis of 2008 lost the confidence of the West in economic policy system, making the financial market more fluid and more volatile.

These three factors have led to the current global economic situation. We need to remember that we cannot change the global economic context. The important thing is how we face the challenges and take opportunities it brings.

Successfully joining TPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership) has brought Vietnam’s economy opportunities to grow: more advantages in international trade and encreasing exports. To develop, Vietnam needs to reform to create better socio-economic environment, making it favorable for improving economy, education, science and technology. Mr. Tony Blair expressed his optimism about the Vietnamese economy if we could take the advantages above. He said that if we could reform successfully to react instantaneously to changes in the global economy we would gain some achievements. Big economies like the US, Germany, France as well as exporters like India and China will be potential business partners of Vietnam. Vietnam will have more chances to export to those countries thanks to open markets and deeper and larger integration.

Former Prime Minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Tony Blair

and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son answering questions from delegates

Besides, the former PM answered several questions concerning strategic economic orientation and strengths of Vietnam in international integration.

The seminar lasted only one hour but it was very useful and informative to the policy makers, economic experts and researchers attending the seminar.

Editor: Viet Anh