VietNamNet Bridge - The APEC 2017 Summit is currently taking place in Da Nang, which began preparing for the event in 2015. 

Huynh Duc Tho, Chairman of the Da Nang People's Committee, said: "The city started preparations for its role as the host of APEC 2017 in early 2015. For nearly three years, under close supervision of leaders of the Government, the National Committee for APEC 2017, the close coordination of ministries, central agencies, leaders and people of Da Nang have made great efforts to complete the preparatory work for the APEC Summit 2017 in all aspects of facilities, propaganda, health, security and human resources ... I can confidently assert that Da Nang is ready for APEC 2017".

Modern works

Preparing facilities for the APEC Summit Week was an urgent task, which was implemented very early. After coordinating with Subcommittees of the National Committee for APEC 2017 and other ministries and sectors to make surveys to choose the appropriate sites, local agencies and private investors tried their best to renovate, upgrade and complete the work for this event.

Da Nang International Airport with the VIP A zone welcomes important guests and those who fly on specialized planes. The parking space has been expanded, including 75 parking places for specialized aircraft from APEC economies.

The International Press Center, the workplace of around 3,000 national and international correspondents during the Summit Week, has beautiful, modern designs, function rooms, and facilities and services that are convenient for reporters.

The main venues for activities within the framework of the Summit Week have been renovated to meet the direction of the Organizing Committee. The hotel system in Da Nang, especially the coastal hotels and resorts, is sufficient for for all delegates.

All plans are complete

For security, Da Nang police asked the police units and localities to concentrate forces and means, to apply uniform measures to prevent and fight crime to ensure political security, social order and safety; control and reduce traffic accidents and traffic jams; and protect the security and safety of delegates and political, economic, cultural and social activities.

Health care is also given special attention. Ms. Ngo Thi Kim Yen, Director of the Da Nang Health Department, said thatthe health sector completed the specific health care plan for delegates attending the APEC Summit2017. In case of need of intervention, ambulances will be present in less than 5 minutes.

The Department of Health also coordinated with the Military Region V to arrange helicopters on the Son Tra peninsula, ready to participate in transporting patients in emergency, as well as collaborate with International SOS Company to develop plans and the process of transporting patients abroad for treatment. In particular, the Ministry of Health mobilized leading experts of leading hospitals across the country to serve the APEC Summit 2017.

Taking advantage of the golden opportunity to develop tourism, Da Nang tourism sector has advised the local government as well as the National Committee for APEC 2017 to select hotels for heads of states and international delegates, including 14 official hotels and 4 backup hotels; 12 hotels for businesspeople; and 24 hotels serving international and local journalists. The Department has also organized 30 training courses on reception and diplomatic skills as well as supervising and handling skills to welcome APEC guests; training courses for travel agencies, tour guides, tourist transport vehicles; and tourist spots ...

The city also launches the campaign "Da Nang Smile" with the message affirming Da Nang people's friendly and hospitable brand, because not only the staff who directly serve the APEC Summit Week, but also each resident in the city has an important role in creating a good impression for delegates and international media to Da Nang on this occasion.

All the preparations have been completed for the success of the APEC Summit Week, contributing to enhancing Vietnam's position in the international arena, while promoting the image of Vietnam, the people of Vietnam in general, and those of Da Nang in particular to friends all over the world.

Minh Tam