Decision 169/1999/QD-TTg

DECISION No. 169/1999/QD-TTg OF AUGUST 19, 1999 RATIFYING THE LIST OF JOBS AND THE TABLE OF ASSIGNMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE HANOI PLAN OF ACTION WITHIN THE ASEAN COOPERATION FRAMEWORK

THE PRIME MINISTER

Pursuant to the Law on Organization of the Government of September 30, 1992;

Pursuant to the Ordinance on the Conclusion and Enforcement of International Agreements of August 20, 1998;

To fulfill Vietnam�s commitments to ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries at the VIth ASEAN Summit held in December 1998 in Hanoi;

At the proposals of the Minister for Foreign Affairs in Official Dispatch No.545-CV/NG-ASEAN of April 20, 1999 and of the Minister-Director of the Government�s Office of August 17, 1999,

DECIDES:

Article 1.- To ratify the list of jobs and the table of assignment of responsibilities (attached hereto) for the general synthesis and coordination agencies, the sponsoring agencies and the coordinating agencies to study and organize the implementation of the ASEAN cooperation plans, programs and projects, stated in the Hanoi Plan of Action (hereunder referred to as HPA for short) of December 1998.

Article 2.- Basing themselves on the list of jobs and the table of assignment of responsibilities attached to this Decision, the general synthesis and coordination agencies shall have to elaborate working plans and programs and estimate duration for the implementation of HPA; preside over the inter-branch meetings; regulate the HPA study, development and implementation activities of the sponsoring agencies and coordinating agencies; sum up the situation of the HPA implementation by the above-said agencies; prepare periodical (quarterly and annual) reports on the situation and results of the HPA implementation by Vietnam and submit them to the Prime Minister; and coordinate the HPA implementation by Vietnam and the ASEAN countries.

- The sponsoring agencies shall assume the prime responsibility in studying and organizing performance of the assigned jobs; joining the general synthesis and coordination agencies in regulating cooperative activities with the ASEAN countries and submitting periodical (monthly) reports on the implementation of HPA over which they have sponsored, to the general synthesis and coordination agencies.

- The coordinating agencies shall have to take part in the study and implementation of HPA together with the sponsoring agencies and the general synthesis and coordination agencies; comment on the elaboration of the ASEAN cooperation programs, plans and projects; and participate in meetings to discuss the organization and implementation of HPA.

- The Government�s Office shall have to sum up the situation on the operations of the above-said agencies (the general synthesis and coordination agencies, the sponsoring agencies and the coordinating agencies); and assist the Prime Minister in monitoring, urging and inspecting the implementation of HPA.

Article 3.- This Decision takes effect after its signing.

Article 4.- The ministers, the heads of the ministerial-level agencies, the heads of the agencies attached to the Government and the presidents of the People�s Committees of the provinces and centrally-run cities shall have to implement this Decision.

Prime Minister
PHAN VAN KHAI

TABLE OF ASSIGNMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE HANOI PLAN OF ACTION THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE: THE GENERAL SYNTHESIS AND COORDINATION AGENCY FOR ITEM I

(Issued together with the Prime Minister�s Decision No. 169/1999/QD-TTg of August 19, 1999)

ITEMS CONTENTS IMPLEMENTING AGENCIES

SPONSORING COORDINATING

I. Strengthen macroeconomic and financial
cooperation

1.1. Maintain macroeconomic and financial
stability The Finance Ministry

1.1.1. Strengthen the ASEAN Surveillance Process The Finance Ministry The State Bank, the State
Securities Commission, the General Department
of Statistics, the Ministry
of Planning and
Investment, the Ministry
of Trade, the General
Department of Customs

1.1.2. Structure orderly capital account The State Bank The Finance Ministry,
liberalization the State Securities
Commission, the Ministry
of Planning and Investment

1.2. Strengthen financial system

1.2.1. Adopt and implement sound international The Finance Ministry The State Bank, the State
financial practices and standards, where Securities Commission,
appropriate by 2003 the Ministry of Planning
and Investment

1.2.2. Coordinate in supervision and efforts The State Bank The Finance Ministry,
to strengthen financial systems the State Securities
Commission, the Ministry
of Planning and Investment

1.2.3. Develop deep financial markets to enable The State Bank The State Securities
governments and private firms to raise Commission, the Finance
long-term financing in local currency, Ministry, the Ministry of
thereby reducing the over dependence Planning and Investment
on bank finance and limiting the risks of
financial crisis

1.2.4. Adopt and implement existing standards The State Bank The Finance Ministry,
of disclosure and dissemination of the State Securities Com-
economic and financial information mission, the Ministry of
Planning and Investment,
the General Department
of Statistics, the General
Department of Customs,
the Ministry of Trade

1.2.5. Adopt prudential measures to mitigate The State Bank The Finance Ministry,
the effects of sudden shifts in short-term the State Securities
capital flows Commission, the Ministry
of Planning and Investment

1.3. Promote liberalization of the financial
services sector

1.3.1. Intensify deregulation of the financial The Finance Ministry The Ministry of Planning
services sector and Investment, the State
Bank, the State Securities
Commission

1.3.2. Intensify negotiations on financial sector The Finance Ministry The Ministry of Planning
liberalization under the ASEAN Frame- and Investment, the State
work Agreement on Services (AFAS) Bank, the State Securities
Commission

1.4 Intensify cooperation in money, tax and
insurance matters

1.4.1. Study the feasibility of establishing an The State Bank The Finance Ministry,
ASEAN currency and exchange rate system the Ministry of Trade,
the Ministry of Planning
and Investment

1.4.2. Establish an ASEAN Tax Training Institute The Finance Ministry
by 2003

1.4.3. Enhance the role of "ASEAN Re- The Finance Ministry
Corporation Limited"

1.4.4. Establish an ASEAN Insurance Training The Finance Ministry
and Research Institute by 2003

1.5. Develop ASEAN capital markets

1.5.1 Adopt and implement internationally The State Securities The Finance Ministry,
accepted practices and standards by the Commission the State Bank
year 2003, and where appropriate at
a later date, especially for the new member
countries

1.5.2. Establish a set of minimum standards for The State Securities The Finance Ministry,
listing rules, procedures and requirements Commission the State Bank
by 2003

1.5.3. Coordinate supervision of and programs to The State Bank The Finance Ministry,
strengthen capital markets the State Bank

1.5.4. Improve corporate governance, The State Securities The Finance Ministry,
transparency and disclosure of financial Commission the State Bank
information by member companies of
the capital market

1.5.5. Develop a mechanism for cross-listing of The State Securities The Finance Ministry,
medium and small enterprises (SMEs) Commission the State Bank
among ASEAN capital markets by 2003,
and where appropriate at a later date
for the new member countries

1.5.6. Facilitating the process of capital flow and The State Bank The Ministry of Planning
cross-border investment and Investment, the Finance
Ministry, the State Securities
Commission

1.5.7. Facilitate the clearing and settlement The State Bank The State Securities
systems within ASEAN Commission, the Ministry
of Finance

1.5.8. Promote securitisation The State Securities The Finance Ministry,
Commission the State Bank

1.5.9. Foster collaborative and cooperative The State Securities The Finance Ministry,
networks among capital market research Commission the State Bank
and training centers in member countries

1.5.10. Preparing the framework to develop bond The State Securities The Finance Ministry,
markets in ASEAN by 2003 Commission the State Bank, the
Ministry of Planning
and Investment

1.5.11. Promote networking among development The State Bank The State Securities
banks in the member states for financing Commission
of productive projects

THE MINISTRY OF TRADE/THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE FOR INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC COOPERATION: GENERAL SYNTHESIS AND COORDINATION
AGENCIES FOR ITEM II

ITEMS CONTENTS IMPLEMENTING AGENCIES

SPONSORING COORDINATING

II. Enhance greater economic integration

2.1. Accelerate the implementation of the The Ministry of Trade The Finance Ministry,
ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) the General Department of
Customs�

2.1.1. Trade liberalization The Ministry of Trade The Finance Ministry,
the General Department of
Customs, the Ministry of
Planning and Investment

2.1.2. Customs harmonization The General Depart- The Finance Ministry,
ment of Customs the Trade Ministry�

2.1.3. Standardization and conformity assessment The Ministry of The concerned ministries
Science, Technology and branches
and Environment (the
General Department
of Standardization,
Metrology and Quality)

2.1.4. Other trade facilitation activities The Ministry of The Finance Ministry,
Planning and the Trade Ministry, the
Investment, the Construction Ministry,
General Department the State Bank, the General
of Customs Department of Customs

2.2. Implement the Framework Agreement The Ministry of The Ministry of Industry,
on the ASEAN Investment Area (AIA) Planning and the Ministry of Labor, War
Investment Invalids and Social Affairs,
the State Bank, the Finance
Ministry

2.3. Liberalize trade in services The Ministry of The concerned ministries
Planning and and branches Investment

2.3.1. Liberalization The Ministry of The Ministry of Science,
Planning and Technology and
Investment Environment, the Ministry
of Finance, the Ministry of
Justice, the General
Department of Post and
Telecommunications, the
General Department of
Tourism, the Ministry of
Communications and
Transport, Vietnam Civil
Aviation Department and
the General Department
of Customs

2.3.2. Facilitation The Ministry of The Ministry of Trade, the
Planning and Ministry of Public Security,
Investment the Ministry of Justice, the
General Department of
Tourism, Vietnam Civil
Aviation Department and
the General Department
of Customs

2.3.3. Cooperation The Ministry of The Ministry of Trade
Planning and Investment

2.4. Enhance food security and global
competitiveness of ASEAN�s food
agriculture and forestry products

2.4.1. Strengthen food security arrangements The Ministry of
in the region Agriculture and Rural
Development

2.4.2. Develop and adopt existing and new The Ministry of
technologies Agriculture and Rural
Development

2.4.3. Enhance the marketability of ASEAN The Ministry of The Ministry of Science,
food, agriculture and forestry products/ Agriculture and Rural Technology and
commodities Development Environment (the General Department of
Standardization, Metrology and Quality)

2.4.4. Enhance private sector involvement The Ministry of The Ministry of Planning
Agriculture and Rural and Investment
Development

2.4.5. Enhance ASEAN cooperation and joint The Ministry of The Ministry of Trade
approaches in international and regional Agriculture and Rural
issues Development

2.4.6. Promote capacity building and human The Ministry of The Ministry of Education
resources development Agriculture and Rural and Training
Development

2.5. Intensify the ASEAN Industrial The Ministry of The Finance Ministry,
Cooperation (AICO) Industry the concerned ministries
and branches

2.6. Foster small and medium enterprises (SMEs) The Ministry of Vietnam Chamber of
Planning and Commerce and Industry,
Investment the Ministry of Industry,
the Central Council of
the Vietnam Union of
Cooperatives, the State
Securities Commission,
the Finance Ministry

2.6.1. Facilitation The Ministry of The Ministry of Trade, the
Planning and Finance Ministry, the State
Investment Bank

2.6.2. Cooperation The Ministry of The Central Council of
Planning and the Vietnam Union of
Investment Cooperatives, Vietnam
Chamber of Commerce and
Industry, the State Securities Commission

2.7. Further intellectual property cooperation

2.7.1. Protection The Ministry of The Ministry of Culture
Science, Technology and Information, the
and Environment Ministry of Justice, the
Ministry of Trade, the
General Department
of Customs

2.7.2. Facilitation The Ministry of The Ministry of Culture
Science, Technology and Information, the
and Environment Ministry of Justice, the
Ministry of Trade, the
General Department
of Customs

2.7.3. Cooperation The Ministry of The Ministry of Culture
Science, Technology and Information, the
and Environment Ministry of Trade, the
Ministry of Education
and Training

2.8. Encourage electronic commerce The Ministry of The General Department
Trade, the General of Customs, the State Bank,
Department of the Ministry of Justice
Post and Telecommunications

2.9. Promote ASEAN tourism The General Vietnam Civil Aviation
Department of Department, the Ministry
Tourism of Public Security, the
Ministry for Foreign
Affairs, the General
Department of Customs

2.9.1. Launch the "Visit ASEAN Millennium The General
Year" as the catalyst focus for the first plan Department of
of action Tourism

2.9.2. Conduct strategic studies for joint marketing The General Vietnam Civil Aviation
of the ASEAN region in the 21st century, Department of Department
and the convening of top-level tourism Tourism
marketing missions to promote the region

2.9.3. Develop a Website/Information database The General The General Department
on relevant tourism statistical data and Department of of Statistics, the Ministry
other related information within the ASEAN Tourism of Planning and Investment
Secretariat by the beginning of the year 2000

2.9.4. Establish a network among ASEAN tourism The General The General Department of
training centers with emphasis on new job Department of Statistics, the Ministry of
skills and new technologies by 2001 Tourism Planning and Investment
in tourism policy and planning

2.9.5. Develop trainers and teaching material The General The Ministry of Education
database for ASEAN to be completed Department of and Training, the General
by 2001 Tourism Department of Statistics

2.9.6. Carrying out the ecological tourism The General The Ministry of Science,
promotion programs for the tourist branch Department of Technology and
and the customers Tourism Environment

2.9.7. Complete cruise tourism development The General The Ministry of
study in ASEAN by the year 2000 Department of Communications and
Tourism Transport, the Ministry
of Public Security, the Ministry of Defense

2.9.8. Encourage the establishment of the The Ministry of Public The General Department
ASEAN lane for facilitating the intra- Security of Tourism, the Ministry
ASEAN travel of Defense

2.9.9. Increase the use of the Internet or other The General The General Department
electronic global distribution systems Department of of Post and Tourism Telecommunications, the
Ministry of Public Security

2.9.10. Launch the ASEAN tourism investment The General The Ministry of Planning
guide in 1999 Department of and Investment, the
Tourism Finance Ministry

2.10. Develop regional infrastructure

2.10.1. Communications and Transport The Ministry of The Ministry of Trade,
Communications and the Finance Ministry, the
Transport Government Pricing
Committee, Vietnam Civil
Aviation Department, the
Ministry of Public Security,
the Ministry of Defense,
the Government Continental shelf
Commission, the General
Department of Customs

2.10.2. Telecommunications The General The Ministry of Planning
Department of Post and and Investment, the
Telecommunications Ministry of Science,
Technology and
Environment, the Ministry
of Public Security

2.10.3 Energy The Ministry of
Industry

2.10.4. Water utility The Ministry of
Agriculture and Rural
Development

2.11. Further development of growth areas The Ministry of The Ministry of Industry,
Planning and the Ministry of Agriculture
Investment and Rural Development,
the Ministry of Labor, War
Invalids and Social Affairs,
the Ministry for Foreign
Affairs, the Ministry of
Trade

THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND THE MINISTRY OF LABOR, WAR INVALIDS AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS: THE GENERAL SYNTHESIS AND COORDINATION AGENCIES FOR ITEM IV

ITEMS CONTENTS IMPLEMENTING AGENCIES

SPONSORING COORDINATING

IV. Promote social development and address
the social impacts of the regional
financial crisis

4.1. Strive to mitigate the social impacts of The Ministry of The Ministry of Labor,
the regional financial and economic crisis Planning and War Invalids and Social Investment Affairs

4.2. Implement the plan of action on ASEAN The Ministry of The Ministry of Labor,
rural development, hunger elimination and Agriculture and Rural War Invalids and Social
poverty alleviation, and in view of the Development Affairs, the Ministry
regional financial and economic crisis, of Planning and
implement the ASEAN plan of action Investment
on social safety nets �

4.3. Use the ASEAN FOUNDATION to support The Ministry for The Ministry of Labor,
activities and social development programs, Foreign Affairs War Invalids and Social
aimed at addressing issues of unequal Affairs, the Ministry
economic development, hunger and poverty of Planning and
and socio-economic disparities Investment, the Ministry
of Agriculture and Rural Development

4.4. Implement the ASEAN plan of action for The Vietnam The Ministry of Labor,
children which provides for the framework Committee for Child War Invalids and Social
for ensuring the survival, protection and Protection and Care Affairs, the Ministry
development of children of Education and Training

4.5. Strengthen ASEAN collaboration in The Ministry of The National Committee
combating the trafficking in, and crimes of Public Security for Women�s Advancement,
violence against, women and children the Vietnam Committee
for Child Protection and
Care, the Ministry for
Foreign Affairs, the Minis-
try of Justice, the Ministry
of Labor, War Invalids
and Social Affairs, the
Vietnam Women�s Union

4.6. Raising the capacity of the family and The Ministry of Labor, The Ministry of Health
community to care for the elderly and War Invalids and
the disabled Social Affairs

4.7 Strengthen the ASEAN Regional AIDS The Ministry of Health The Ministry of Labor,
information and reference network War Invalids and Social
Affairs, the National Anti-
HIV/AIDS Committee

4.8. The Ministry for The concerned
Foreign Affairs ministries and branches

4.9. Work towards the full implementation of The Vietnam The Ministry for Foreign
the Convention on the Rights of the Child Committee for Child Affairs, the Ministry of
and the Convention on the Elimination of Protection and Care, Education and Training
All Forms of Discrimination against the National Committee
Women and other international legal for Women�s
instruments concerning women and children Advancement

4.10. Strength regional capacity to address The Ministry of Public The General Department
transnational crime Security of Customs, the Ministry
of Defense

4.11. Implement the ASEAN work program to The National Committee The Ministry of Labor,
operationalize the ASEAN plan of action for Drug Prevention and War Invalids and Social
on drug abuse control by 2004; and Combat (The Ministry Affairs, the Ministry of
continue developing and implementing of Public Security) Health, the Ministry of
high-profile flagship programs on drug Education and Training,
abuse control, particularly those related to the Central Executive
prevention education for youth, and Committee of the Ho
treatment and rehabilitation Chi Minh Communist
Youth Union

THE MINISTRY FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS: THE GENERAL SYNTHESIS AND COORDINATION AGENCY FOR ITEMS III, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX AND X

ITEMS CONTENTS IMPLEMENTING AGENCIES

SPONSORING COORDINATING

III. Promote science and technology The Ministry of Science, The National Center for
development and develop information Technology and Natural Sciences and
technology infrastructure Environment Technologies, the Ministry
of Industry, the General
Department of Post and
Telecommunications, the
Ministry of Culture and
Information (The
Copyright Department)

V. Promote human resource development

5.1. Strengthen the ASEAN University Network The Ministry of The Government
and move forward the process of Education and Training Commission for
transforming it into the ASEAN University Organization and Personnel

5.2. Strengthen the education systems in member The Ministry of The Ministry of
countries by 2001 so that all groups of Education and Training
people, including the disadvantaged, can
have equal access to education�

5.3. Implement the ASEAN work program on The Ministry of Labor, The Ministry of Planning
informal sector development to provide War Invalids and Social and Investment
opportunities for self-employment and Affairs
enterpreneurship

5.4. Implement the ASEAN work program on The Central Committee The Ministry of Education
skills training for out-of-school youth by of the Ho Chi Minh and Training, the Ministry
2004, to strengthen their capacity to Communist Youth of Labor, War Invalids
obtain gainful employment Union and Social Affairs

5.5. Strengthen regional networking of Human The General Department The Ministry of Education
Resource Development (HRD) centers of of Job Training, the and Training
excellence and develop the regional Ministry of Labor, War
capacity for HRD planning and labor Invalids and Social
market monitoring Affaors

5.6. Establish and strengthen networks in The Ministry of The Ministry of Labor,
education and training, particularly those Education and Training War Invalids and Social
promoting occupational safety and health, Affairs, the Ministry of
skills training for out-of-school youth and Health
distance education by 2004

5.7. Intensify efforts of the ASEAN network for The Ministry for The Ministry of Education
women in skills training to enhance the Foreign Affairs and Training, the National
capacity of disadvantaged women to enter Committee for Women�s
the work force Advancement

5.8. Begin to implement the ASEAN science The Ministry of Science, The Ministry of Education
and technology human resource program Technology and and Training, the Ministry
addressing the needs of industries and Environment of Labor, War Invalids
businesses by 2000 and Social Affairs

5.9. Implement regional training programs for The Government
ASEAN civil service officers and Commission for
strengthen networks among ASEAN Civil Organization and
Service Commissions Personnel

5.10. Establish networks of professional The Ministry of
accreditation bodies Education and Training
to promote regional mobility and mutual
recognition of technical and professional
credentials and skills standards

VI. Protect the environment and promote The Ministry of Science, The Ministry of
sustainable development Technology and Agriculture and Rural
Environment Development,
the Ministry of Culture
and Information, the
National Center for Natural
Sciences and Technologies,
the General Department of
Hydro-Meteorology

VII. Strengthen regional peace and security

7.1. Consolidate and strengthen ASEAN�s The Ministry for The Ministry of Defense
solidarity, cohesiveness and harmony by Foreign Affairs
strengthening national and regional
resilience through enhanced cooperation
and mutual assistance to further promote
Southeast Asia as a zone of peace,
freedom and neutrality

7.2. Promote the coherent and comprehensive The Ministry for The Ministry of Defense
programs of bilateral and regional Foreign Affairs
cooperation and technical assistance in
ASEAN member states to strengthen
their integration into the community
of Southeast Asian nations

7.3. Ratify the second protocol of the Treaty The Ministry for The Ministry of Defense
of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Foreign Affairs
Asia (TAC) as soon as possible

7.4. Encourage and facilitate the accession by The Ministry for The Ministry of Defense
ASEAN�s dialogue partners and other Foreign Affairs
interested countries to TAC with a view
to developing the TAC into a code of
conduct governing relations between
Southeast Asian states and those (outside)
the region

7.5. Formulate draft rules of procedure for the The Ministry for The Ministry of Justice
operations of the high council as envisioned Foreign Affairs
in TAC

7.6. Encourage greater efforts towards the The Ministry for The Government
resolution of outstanding problems of Foreign Affairs Continental Shelf
boundaries delimitation between ASEAN Commission, the Ministry
member states of Defense

7.7. Ensure border security and facilitate safe The Ministry of Public The Ministry for Foreign
and convenient border crossings Security Affairs, the Ministry of
Defense, the Government
Continental Shelf
Commission

7.8. Encourage member countries to cooperate The Ministry for The Ministry of Defense,
in resolving border-related problems and Foreign Affairs the Government
other matters between ASEAN member Continental Shelf
Commission, the countries
Ministry of Public Security

7.9. Promote efforts to secure acceptance by The Ministry for The Ministry of Defense
nuclear-weapon states of the Treaty on Foreign Affairs
Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone
(SEANWFZ), including their early
accession to the protocol to the SEANWFZ

7.10 Convene the Commission for SEANWFZ The Ministry for The Ministry of Defense
Treaty to oversee the implementation of the Foreign Affairs
Treaty and ensure the compliance
with its provisions

7.11. Support and participate actively in all The Ministry for The Ministry of Defense,
efforts to achieve the objectives of general Foreign Affairs The Government
and complete disarmament, especially the Continental Shelf
non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and Commission
other weapons of mass destruction

7.12. Encourage ASEAN member countries The Ministry for The Ministry of Defense
parties to a dispute to engage in friendly Foreign Affairs
negotiation and use the bilateral and
regional processes of peaceful settlement
of dispute or other procedures provided
for in the United Nations Charter

7.13. Enhance efforts to settle disputes in the The Ministry for The Ministry of Defense,
East Sea through peaceful means among Foreign Affairs the State Steering
the parties concerned in accordance with Committee for the East
the universally recognized international Sea and Islands
law, including the 1982 UN Convention
on the Law of the Sea

7.14. Continue efforts to promote confidence- The Ministry for The State Steering
building measures in the East Sea between Foreign Affairs Committee for the East
and among parties concerned Sea and Islands, the
Ministry of Defense

7.15. Encourage all other parties concerned to The Ministry for
subscribe to the ASEAN Declaration Foreign Affairs
on the East Sea

7.16. Promote efforts to establish a regional The Ministry for The Ministry of Defense
code of conduct in the East Sea among the Foreign Affairs
parties directly concerned

7.17. Intensify intra-ASEAN security cooperation The Ministry for The Ministry of Defense
through existing mechanisms among foreign Foreign Affairs the Ministry of Public
affairs and defense officials Security

VIII. Enhance ASEAN�s role as an effective
force for peace, justice and moderation
in the Asia-Pacific and in the world

8.1. Maintain ASEAN�s chairmanship in the The Ministry for
ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) process Foreign Affairs

8.2. Undertake, actively and energetically,   The Ministry for The Ministry of Defense
measures to strengthen ASEAN�s role as Foreign Affairs
the primary driving force in the ARF,
including directing the ASEAN Secretary-
General to provide the necessary support
and services to the ASEAN Standing
Committee (ASC) Chairman in
coordinating ARF activities

8.3. Formulate initiatives to advance, on a The Ministry for The Ministry of Defense
consensus basis and at a pace comfortable Foreign Affairs
to all, the ARF process from its current
emphasis on confidence-building to
promoting preventive diplomacy.

8.4. Promote public awareness of the ARF The Ministry for The Ministry of Defense
process and the need for ASEAN�s role as Foreign Affairs
the primary driving force in respective
ASEAN member countries

8.5. Continue the involvement of ASEAN The Ministry of Defense, The Ministry for
defense and security officials together with the Ministry of Public Foreign Affairs
foreign affairs officials in ARF activities Security

8.6. Develop a set of basic principles based on The Ministry for
TAC as an instrument for promoting Foreign Affairs
cooperative peace in the Asia-Pacific region

8.7. Enhance consultation and coordination of The Ministry for
ASEAN positions at the United Nations Foreign Affairs
and other international forums

8.8. Revitalize ASEAN�s relations with dialogue The Ministry for
partners on the basis of equality, non- Foreign Affairs
discrimination and mutual benefit

IX. Promote ASEAN awareness and its
standing in the international community

9.1. Support the activities of the ASEAN The Ministry of Culture The Ministry for
foundation and other available resources and Information, the Foreign Affairs
and mechanisms to promote ASEAN Finance Ministry
awareness among its people

9.2. Launch a concerted communications The Ministry of Culture The Vietnam Television
program to promote ASEAN�s standing in and Information Station, the Radio Voice
the international community and strengthen of Vietnam, other
confidence in ASEAN as an ideal place for information agencies
investment, trade and tourism

9.3. Establish and operate an ASEAN satellite The Ministry of Culture
channel by the year 2000 and Information, the
General Department
of Post and
Telecommunications,
the concerned agencies

9.4. Provide and disseminate materials on The Ministry of Culture The Finance Ministry,
ASEAN�s efforts to cope with the financial and Information the Ministry of Planning
and economic crisis and Investment, the State
Bank

9.5. Publicize ASEAN�s HPA priorities through The Ministry for
ASEAN�s external mechanisms with its Foreign Affairs
dialogue partners

9.6. Develop linkages with mass media networks The Ministry of Culture The Ministry for Foreign
and websites on key areas of ASEAN and Information Affairs, the Government�s
cooperation to disseminate regular and Office, the concerned
timely information on ASEAN agencies

9.7. Prepare and adopt an ASEAN Declaration The Ministry of Culture
on Cultural Heritage by the year 2000 and Information

9.8. Mount professional productions of ASEAN The Ministry of Culture
performances and exhibitions within and and Information
outside ASEAN and provide adequate mass
media coverage on such activities

9.9. Organize art and cultural immersion camps The Central Committee The General Department
and exchange programs for the youth and of the Ho Chi Minh of Tourism
encourage their travel to other ASEAN Communist Youth
member countries Union, the Ministry of
Culture and Information

9.10. Establish an ASEAN Multi-Media Center The Ministry of Culture The Ministry of Science,
by the year 2001 to conduct professional and Information Technology and
training programs and provide production Environment
facilities and services for mass media and
communication practitioners

X. Improve ASEAN�s structures and
mechanisms

10.1. Review ASEAN�s overall organizational The Ministry for
structure in order to further improve its Foreign Affairs
efficiency and effectiveness, taking into
account the expansion of ASEAN activities,
the enlargement of ASEAN membership
and the regional situation.

10.2. Review and streamline ASEAN external The Ministry for
relations mechanisms with its dialogue Foreign Affairs
partners, regional organizations and other
economic groupings

10.3. Review the role, functions and capacity The Ministry for
of the ASEAN Secretariat to meet the Foreign Affairs
increasing demands of ASEAN and to
support the implementation of the Hanoi
Plan of Action