At the invitation of President of the Republic of the Philippines Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., ASEAN Chair for 2026, Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam Le Minh Hung will lead a high-level Vietnamese delegation to attend the 49th ASEAN Summit and related summits in Manila, the Philippines, on November 14-17, 2026. On the occasion, Vietnamese Ambassador to the Philippines Lai Thai Binh spoke to Nhan Dan Newspaper about preparations for the summit and coordination between Viet Nam and the Philippines in realising ASEAN's visions in the current context.
Strengthening ASEAN's role, position and capacity to adapt to changes in the international environment
According to Ambassador Lai Thai Binh, the 49th ASEAN Summit is taking place amid rapid, complex, and unpredictable developments in the global and regional situation. Strategic competition among major powers, conflicts and instability in various parts of the world, fluctuations in the global economy and trade, and non-traditional security challenges such as climate change, energy security, food security, cybersecurity, and emerging security issues are placing increasingly demanding requirements on ASEAN.
Against this backdrop, the summit is important not only for reviewing the outcomes of cooperation during the Philippines' ASEAN Chairmanship year, but also for charting the next steps towards strengthening ASEAN's role, position, and capacity to adapt to changes in the international environment.
Under the theme “Navigating Our Future, Together”, the Philippines has identified three overarching priorities for its 2026 ASEAN Chairmanship Year: strengthening the foundations of peace and security, promoting prosperity corridors, and empowering people. These three priorities will also shape the main agenda and expected outcomes of the 49th ASEAN Summit.
First, on peace and security, leaders will focus their discussions on strengthening ASEAN unity and central role; maintaining peace, stability, and security in the region; and enhancing cooperation in addressing traditional and non-traditional security challenges. Key issues will include developments in the East Sea/South China Sea, promoting the development of a substantive and effective Code of Conduct in the East Sea/South China Sea (COC) in accordance with international law, the situation in Myanmar, and the implementation of ASEAN's Five-Point Consensus.
Second, on the economy and prosperity, the Philippines aims to strongly promote intra-regional economic links, strengthen supply chain resilience, and enhance ASEAN's competitiveness. One notable outcome expected at the summit is the signing of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), which will establish a common framework for promoting digital trade, cross-border payments, data flows, and digital economic activities across the region. In addition, ASEAN will continue to promote energy infrastructure connectivity, particularly through the ASEAN Power Grid initiative, as well as cooperation in clean energy, green transition, artificial intelligence (AI) development, the semiconductor industry, critical minerals, and ensure food security.
Third, on empowering people, ASEAN will focus on ensuring inclusive and equitable growth, narrowing development gaps, improving human resource quality, promoting digital skills training for the workforce, and strengthening the protection of migrant workers' rights. At the same time, it will step up efforts to protect vulnerable groups as well as promote people-to-people exchanges and cooperation in education, healthcare, tourism, and natural disaster response.
Ambassador Lai Thai Binh expressed confidence that the 49th ASEAN Summit would achieve meaningful outcomes, generate fresh momentum and reinforce ASEAN’ central role in the regional structure.
“Against a backdrop of complex developments and significant changes in the global and regional situation, the summit's outcomes will further reaffirm the value and significance of regional cooperation, as well as the spirit of solidarity, consensus, and shared responsibility among member states in addressing common challenges, meanwhile opening new opportunities for ASEAN to develop dynamically, resiliently, and sustainably, bringing tangible benefits to people and businesses across the region,” Ambassador Lai Thai Binh emphasised.
Strengthening ASEAN’s central role and enhancing its position in the current context
Sharing details of preparations for the 49th ASEAN Summit, Ambassador Lai Thai Binh said that, as ASEAN Chair for 2026, Manila was witnessing an atmosphere of urgency, proactiveness, and strong determination of the Philippine Government to ensure the successful organisation of the 49th ASEAN Summit and related meetings. Preparations were entering their final stages, with ministries, sectors, central agencies, and local authorities working in close coordination to ensure that every aspect was carried out thoroughly, safely, and professionally.
According to Ambassador Lai Thai Binh, the Philippines is expected to welcome approximately 20 heads of state and heads of government, along with thousands of senior officials, business leaders, and representatives of international organisations, for this important diplomatic event.
The Philippine International Convention Centre in Pasay City has been selected as the main venue for high-level activities, alongside several other locations hosting related events and activities, including the recently renovated Coconut Palace.
President of the Philippine Ferdinand Marcos Jr. personally inspected the facilities at the Philippine International Convention Centre in September 2026. At a review meeting on preparations held on October 19, Ralph Rectocho, Executive Secretary of the National Organising Council for ASEAN 2026, said that most preparations had been substantially completed.
These included arrangements for welcoming national leaders at the airport, motorcade coordination, conference venues, protocol, security, and traffic management, despite the enormous workload and numerous complex requirements.
Against a backdrop of complex developments and significant changes in the global and regional situation, the summit's outcomes will further reaffirm the value and significance of regional cooperation, as well as the spirit of solidarity, consensus, and shared responsibility among member states in addressing common challenges, meanwhile opening new opportunities for ASEAN to develop dynamically, resiliently, and sustainably, bringing tangible benefits to people and businesses across the region
Lai Thai Binh
Vietnamese Ambassador to the Philippines
Security arrangements and traffic coordination are being implemented on a particularly extensive scale. Partial restrictions around the Philippine International Convention Centre and the Cultural Centre of the Philippines Complex came into effect on October 24, followed by a full lockdown of conference venues from November 7. Dedicated bus lanes on several roads have temporarily been converted into priority ASEAN lanes to facilitate the movement of official motorcades. To ease congestion and support security operations, the Office of the President of the Philippines has declared November 16-18 special non-working holidays throughout the National Capital Region.
Meanwhile, the Philippine’s Department of Tourism has launched month-long specialised training programmes for 244 frontline personnel in preparation for their roles as liaison officers, information staff, and receptionists at airports, hotels, conference venues, and related events.
The training covers a comprehensive range of areas, from diplomatic protocol and standards, communication skills, and professional conduct to the art of welcoming international guests, conference coordination, and contingency management. Some designated receptionists will wear specially designed uniforms made from Binakol — a traditional woven fabric from the Ilocos region — thereby introducing Philippine’s handicrafts and cultural identity to international visitors.
According to Ambassador Lai Thai Binh, this may be a small detail, but it carries considerable significance, reflecting the Philippines' desire not only to organise a successful diplomatic event but also to leave a positive impression of the country and people of the Philippines on international delegates.
These specific preparations demonstrate the Philippines' efforts to combine the requirements of hosting a high-level diplomatic summit with promoting the image of a friendly, hospitable, dynamic, and regionally responsible nation.
Ambassador Lai Thai Binh expressed confidence that, with the host country's thorough preparations, sense of responsibility, and hospitality, together with the coordination and contributions of member states, the 49th ASEAN Summit will be held successfully and deliver substantive outcomes, helping to strengthen solidarity, reinforce ASEAN’s central role, and enhance its position amid significant regional and global changes.
Viet Nam and the Philippines strengthen coordination and make positive contributions to building a united, resilient, dynamic, and prosperous ASEAN
According to Ambassador Lai Thai Binh, Viet Nam and the Philippines have many favourable conditions to further strengthen coordination and make positive contributions to realising ASEAN’s goals and vision, particularly as the two countries have recently officially upgraded their relations to an enhanced strategic partnership during the state visit to the Philippines by General Secretary and President To Lam in May 2026, on the occasion of marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Viet Nam-Philippines diplomatic relations.
The ambassador noted that Viet Nam was entering a new stage of development, with its position and strength continuing to grow. In the first nine months of 2026, Viet Nam's economy recorded GDP growth of 9.01%, with growth rate reaching 9.95% in the third quarter, reflecting positive momentum and a strong recovery across economic sectors.
Viet Nam aims to achieve average annual GDP growth rate of at least 10% during the 2026-2030 period. By 2030, it seeks to become a developing country with modern industry and upper-middle-income status, rank among the world's 30 largest economies, and achieve GDP per capita of approximately 8,500 USD. To realise these goals, Viet Nam has identified science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation as strategic drivers of development. It is also accelerating institutional reforms, developing a green and digital economy, and enhancing national competitiveness.
These achievements and development orientations provide an important foundation for strengthening Viet Nam's capabilities, position and international prestige, while expanding its capacity to contribute to common issues of the region. According to the ambassador, Viet Nam and the Philippines could focus their coordination on the following key areas:
First, strengthening coordination to consolidate ASEAN unity and cohesion as well as its central role. The two countries should continue regular exchanges and consultations at ASEAN forums and ASEAN-led mechanisms, such as the East Asia Summit (EAS) and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). They should also work together to promote the effective implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, maintain a common voice, and enhance ASEAN's role in the regional structure.
Viet Nam and the Philippines have many favourable conditions to further strengthen coordination and make positive contributions to realising ASEAN’s goals and vision, particularly as the two countries have recently officially upgraded their relations to an enhanced strategic partnership during the state visit to the Philippines by General Secretary and President To Lam in May 2026, on the occasion of marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Viet Nam-Philippines diplomatic relations.
Lai Thai Binh
Vietnamese Ambassador to the Philippines
Second, promoting economic and trade cooperation, and regional connectivity. Both Viet Nam and the Philippines have dynamic economies with complementary economic structures and share the need to strengthen their resilience to fluctuations of the global economy. The two sides should make better use of their cooperation potential in trade, investment, agriculture, food security, energy, the digital economy, the semiconductor industry, and supply chain connectivity, while creating more favourable conditions for businesses from both countries to expand their operations in each other's markets.
Third, enhancing defence and security cooperation and addressing non-traditional security challenges. The two countries should promote the effectiveness of defence and security dialogue mechanisms, information exchanges, and law enforcement coordination. They should also expand cooperation in search and rescue, humanitarian assistance, natural disaster response, combating transnational crime, human trafficking, online scams, and illegal activities at sea.
Fourth, continuing close coordination in maintaining peace, stability, security, safety, and freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea/South China Sea. This issue is of strategic significance to both Viet Nam and the Philippines, as well as to countries within and beyond the region.
Fifth, strengthening people-to-people exchanges, cultural connections and cooperation between localities. These provide an important social foundation for the sustainable development of bilateral relations.
Expressing his confidence, Ambassador Lai Thai Binh stated: “With a strong foundation of positive political relations, favourable socio-economic development conditions, and the trust and determination of the leaders of both countries, Viet Nam and the Philippines will continue to accompany each other, strengthen coordination, and make even greater positive contributions to building a united, resilient, dynamic, and prosperous ASEAN.”
