The event, promoting ASEAN and Vietnam’s images, provided an opportunity for countries in the region to meet and exchange information with potential investors to attract more investment and solve investment issues in the bloc.

Over the past years, tourism has developed to become one of the most important momentums for regional socioeconomic development, contributing greatly to improving knowledge and cultural exchange, as well as promoting peace and stability in the region.

To overcome difficulties and further develop, the ASEAN member countries’ tourism agencies should take their leading role in creating common policies for tourism activities.

Samsak Pipopinyo, Representative of the ASEAN Secretariat hailed the recent achievements gained by the member countries to promote the bloc’s image to the international community.

The forum included 4 sessions discussing the frame, opportunity, preferential conditions and potential sectors for ASEAN tourism investment.

Last year ASEAN received more than 62 million tourists, an increase of more than 60 percent compared to 2000, despite the negative impact of the global recession.

The forum marked Vietnam’s 1000th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi and the country’s role as ASEAN president in 2010.