Vietnam's role in ASEAN political and economic cooperation from 1995 to 2010

Abstract

To study the process that leads to better relations between Vietnam and ASEAN. Then it will analyze the political and economic benefits Vietnam has gained from its ASEAN membership as well as the contribution of Vietnam to intra-ASEAN political and economic cooperation. The study adopts a qualitative research method based on documentary research and interviews, and relies mainly on Vietnamese sources. The study finds that historically relations between Vietnam and ASEAN had gone through many different phases but gradually shifted from enmity and confrontation to rapprochement. When Vietnam officially became ASEAN member in 1995, a remarkable transition in Vietnam-ASEAN relations was recorded and shifted from suspicion and hostility to all-embracing cooperative relations. Since then, Vietnam has actively involved and made significant contributions to the ASEAN political and economic cooperation, thereby strengthening regional solidarity and cooperation and raising the association’s profile globally. Moreover, the study shows that better political relations with the ASEAN member states have significantly contributed to Vietnam’s social and economic development. At the same time, Vietnam’s participation in ASEAN political and economic fields, has also contributed to the development of the association as well as brought significant economic benefits to ASEAN member states.