Russia is interested in initiatives raised by Vietnam, including drafting joint action programmes within the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) framework to strengthen economic, financial and social inclusive development, said a Russian official. 

Head of the Senior Officials’ Meeting delegation of Russia Valery Sorokin made the statement to Vietnam News Agency reporters on the sidelines of the round-table conference on APEC 2017: results, issues and prospects after 2020, held in Moscow on October 23. 

The event’s agenda was arranged in the order proposed by Vietnam, Chair of APEC 2017, including promoting sustainable, creative and inclusive growth; boosting extensive regional economic connectivity; improving competitiveness and innovation of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in a digital era; and strengthening food security and sustainable agriculture to adapt to climate change. 

Vo Tri Thanh, Chairman of the Vietnam National Committee for Pacific Economic Cooperation Council, presented an overview of Vietnam’s goals and priorities and a video clip featuring Vietnam’s achievements in development and global integration. 

Nearly 20 reports at the event reflected Russia’s scientific approach to collaboration within the APEC framework and plans and prospects for Russia-Vietnam cooperation. 

Soroskin lauded Vietnam’s preparations for the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting slated for next month in the central city of Da Nang, hoping that it will be a success with the adoption of the Post 2020 Development Vision. 

He said Russia pays attention to ensuring economic development in remote and mountainous areas, which matches Vietnam’s initiatives, adding that the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting needs to ensure safety for economic development, including fighting funding for terrorism, dealing with the consequences of natural disasters and epidemics, and combating corruption. 

Participants looked into the outcomes of the implementation of the free trade agreement between the Eurasian Economic Community and Vietnam, as well as bilateral ties across agriculture, education and science. 

Thanh suggested that a Vietnam-Russia free trade agreement (FTA) should connect with manufacturing and value chains of other deals to achieve better results. 

Director of the Russian APEC Study Centre under the Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Tatiana Flegontova said Russia also pays attention to technological development and regional integration.

VNA