The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and Qatar are poised to deepen co-operation across trade, energy, investment, connectivity and sustainable development following Qatar’s designation as an Asean Sectoral Dialogue Partner, Vietnam’s ambassador to Qatar and chairman of the Asean Committee in Doha (ACD) Nguyen Huy Hiep has said.
The envoy described Qatar’s new status as an important milestone that opens “a new chapter” in relations, building on Qatar’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Co-operation in 2022.
He was addressing a reception yesterday hosted by the ACD to mark Asean’s 59th anniversary.
The ACD comprises the ambassadors of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
Nguyen said that co-operation between Asean and Qatar had steadily expanded across energy, connectivity, education, humanitarian assistance, investment and sustainable development.
Economic ties have also continued to grow, with annual trade between Asean and Qatar approaching $15bn, while businesses from both sides are exploring opportunities in energy, aviation, agribusiness, healthcare, hospitality, telecommunications, fintech, digital innovation and investment.
Nguyen said that 2026 was also significant for Asean, which now represents a market of more than 680mn people with a combined GDP of approximately $3.9tn.
He said that the bloc is continuing to build a resilient, innovative and people-centred regional community founded on dialogue, co-operation and mutual respect.
The ambassador expressed Asean’s appreciation for Qatar’s constructive role in promoting dialogue and co-operation in the region, particularly amid continuing challenges and tensions in the Middle East.
He reaffirmed Asean’s commitment to dialogue, restraint, respect for international law and peaceful diplomatic solutions, stressing the importance of responsible diplomacy in addressing complex regional challenges.
The reception also highlighted Asean’s commitment to environmental sustainability, with the ACD choosing “environmental protection and the building of a green, clean and beautiful living environment” as the theme of the celebration.
Asean embassies displayed architectural models made from recycled materials, underscoring the role of collective action in protecting the environment.
Nguyen said the exhibits conveyed an important message that environmental protection is a shared responsibility requiring the participation of governments, businesses, communities and individuals.
He stressed that sustainability and climate resilience are increasingly inseparable from economic development, regional connectivity and the well-being of Asean peoples.
He also pointed to opportunities for stronger Asean-Qatar co-operation in renewable energy, green technologies, sustainable infrastructure, smart cities, digital transformation, food and agriculture, and other areas supporting sustainable growth.
Nguyen highlighted the ACD’s role in promoting people-to-people links, cultural exchanges, business ties and practical co-operation between Asean member states and Qatar.
He called for renewed commitment to Asean’s principles of dialogue, co-operation and solidarity, while expressing appreciation to the government of Qatar, Qatari partners, Asean embassies and friends for their continued support in strengthening the enduring ties between Asean and Qatar.
The reception brought together representatives of Asean member states, Qatar, diplomatic missions, partners and friends to mark Asean’s achievements and reaffirm their commitment to stronger regional and international co-operation.