On February 12, Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son delivered keynote addresses at two major sessions of the summit, held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The event gathered approximately 6,000 delegates, including over 30 heads of state and government leaders.

Harnessing opportunities for emerging economies

A key session of the summit focused on the role of emerging economies in an evolving global landscape, attracting high-level representatives from various nations. Discussions centered on leveraging new opportunities for rapid development.

Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son highlighted the unprecedented challenges and opportunities facing the world today. He emphasized that emerging economies have the potential to "leap forward," catching up with and even surpassing more developed nations by embracing innovation and economic transformation.

Vietnam’s strategic priorities

Discussing Vietnam’s development policies, Deputy Prime Minister Son reaffirmed the government’s strong commitment to reform, institutional modernization, and comprehensive economic, political, cultural, social, and environmental policies.

Vietnam is focused on unlocking its full potential by mobilizing all available resources to drive rapid and sustainable development. The country aims to position itself as a prosperous, modern, and innovative economy by 2030 and 2045.

Key strategic priorities include:

Transitioning to a digital and green economy

Advancing three core economic breakthroughs

Developing modern, integrated infrastructure

Establishing international financial and innovation hubs

Science, technology, and digital transformation are central to Vietnam’s growth strategy. The government views these factors as the primary drivers of economic acceleration and long-term sustainability. As part of this effort, Vietnam is actively restructuring its government system, reducing bureaucracy, and simplifying administrative procedures.

Deputy Prime Minister Son also called on businesses and investors from the UAE, the Middle East, and beyond to explore opportunities in Vietnam’s green transition, digital economy, high-tech industries, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, renewable energy, and financial innovation.

Commitment to sustainable development goals (SDGs)

Speaking at a separate session on global action toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Deputy Prime Minister Son shared Vietnam’s achievements, lessons, and commitments.

Vietnam has made significant progress in meeting international development goals, having reached its Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) ten years ahead of schedule. The country continues to push forward with its SDG commitments, recognizing that sustainable development is essential for long-term prosperity.

Deputy Prime Minister Son stressed that the rapidly changing global landscape demands a new approach to governance - one that is innovative, inclusive, and action-oriented. He emphasized the importance of strengthening international solidarity, promoting fairness, upholding multilateralism, and respecting international law in global development efforts.

His remarks received strong support from government leaders, ministers, and business representatives attending the summit. Many delegates praised Vietnam’s dynamic economic transformation and its commitment to innovation and reform.

High-level diplomatic meetings

During the summit, Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son held discussions with several key global leaders, including:

Laotian Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake

UAE Vice President Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan

UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Secretary-General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit

UAE Minister of Economy Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri

Bahrain Minister of Finance and National Economy Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa

Tran Thuong