Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has urged the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN BAC) to collaborate closely with governments and citizens of ASEAN countries to advance economic development. The call was made during a meeting in Hanoi with ASEAN BAC chairmen, including 2024 Chair Oudet Souvannavong, President of the Lao Chamber of Commerce and Industry, attending the 101st ASEAN BAC meeting. Chinh highlighted ASEAN’s resilience amid global challenges, noting the region’s projected 4.6% economic growth this year. He encouraged ASEAN BAC to focus on building institutions, enhancing economic connectivity—particularly in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and culture—and fostering new growth drivers like the digital and green economies. Chinh also confirmed attendance at the upcoming ASEAN Business and Investment Summit in Vientiane, Laos.