For the past 30 years, Vietnam has undergone significant transformation, making remarkable strides and playing a crucial role within ASEAN, according to Hoàng Thị Hà, a senior fellow and co-coordinator of the Regional Strategic and Political Studies Programme at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore.
In an interview with the Vietnam News Agency ahead of the 30th anniversary of Vietnam's official accession to ASEAN (July 28, 1995 – July 28, 2025), Hà highlighted Vietnam's key contributions during this period.
Hà assessed that a peaceful, stable, and rapidly developing Vietnam has contributed to strengthening ASEAN's overall capacity, regional connectivity, and global standing through profound and effective international integration.
Economic indicators clearly illustrate this growth. In 2024, Vietnam's GDP reached 476.4 billion USD, 23 times larger than its GDP of 1995 when it joined ASEAN. Its share of ASEAN's total GDP also increased significantly from 3.1% to 12%. Furthermore, Vietnam played a key role in expanding ASEAN from its original six members to ten by supporting the accession of other mainland Southeast Asian countries like Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia. In particular, it has contributed greatly to narrowing the development gap among member states through programs such as the ASEAN Integration Initiative (IAI).
According to Hà, Vietnam has made significant progress not only in economic development but also in its political-security confidence, development direction, human and institutional capacity for international integration, and strategic thinking. Its geopolitical role has grown, and its stance within ASEAN has evolved from a cautious and defensive one to a more confident, proactive, and even leadership-oriented approach.
This transformation is well-demonstrated in various examples, such as Vietnam hosting the inaugural ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM+) in 2010 when it held the ASEAN Chairmanship, and expanding the East Asia Summit (EAS) to include the United States and Russia. Such actions have helped encourage major powers to support and adhere to ASEAN's principles (consultation, dialogue, peaceful dispute resolution, and rule of law), and promoted a strategic balance in the region, thereby safeguarding Vietnam's security interests and strategic autonomy.
Hà acknowledged that ASEAN's centrality is currently facing unprecedented challenges. However, she emphasized that Vietnam, with its important geopolitical position, deepened integration, and established diplomatic acumen, is well-positioned to significantly contribute to strengthening regional unity, shaping ASEAN's common position on strategic issues, and promoting meaningful participation of partners in ASEAN-led mechanisms.
She suggested that Vietnam should serve as an example of independent, self-reliant, and agile diplomacy to enhance strategic trust in ASEAN both within and outside the region.
Hà expressed confidence that Vietnam's role and standing within ASEAN will continue to grow. By continuing its commitment to reform and leveraging opportunities presented by ongoing geopolitical shifts, Vietnam can not only raise its national profile but also contribute to building a cohesive, responsive, and sustainably developing ASEAN in a rapidly changing world.
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