Vietnam successfully hosted the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting and APEC Year 2017.These events have generated opportunities for Vietnam to further strengthen relations with other countries.

President Tran Dai Quang at the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting

Achievements of Vietnam’s most important diplomatic event this year have proved Vietnam’s active global integration and its leading role in major issues in the Asia-Pacific region. 

The APEC Economic Leaders’ Week 2017 drew leaders of 21 member economies, more than 10,000 delegates, and 2,000 Vietnamese and foreign reporters. Documents approved at the event will influence global economic growth and politics.

Highlights

Leaders of APEC member economies issued the Da Nang statement, delivering a resolute determination to promote trade and investment liberalization and inclusive, sustainable growth. They committed to promote cooperation and connectivity within APEC regardless of regional and international changes.

Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang spoke at a press conference concluding APEC Economic Leaders’ Week. “The implementation of long-term cooperation frameworks will enhance APEC’s leading role in regional economic cooperation and the global effort on sustainable development and the UN’s 2030 goals.”

Part of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week was the APEC CEO summit, which consisted of 15 sessions. US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered speeches at the summit.

The APEC Summit Statement included 4 priorities initiated by Vietnam. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh says: “Being the host country, Vietnam successfully drew countries to a common theme of “Creating new dynamism, fostering a shared future”. Countries supported Vietnam’s 4 priorities for the APEC Year: promoting sustainable, creative, and inclusive growth; deepening regional economic connectivity; strengthening the competitiveness and creativity of micro, small, and medium enterprises; and fostering food security and sustainable agriculture adapted to climate change.”

One of Vietnam’s initiatives was the ASEAN-APEC informal dialogue. The Vietnam Business Forum has spurred local investment.  Mr. Minh said “The success of the event has affirmed Vietnam’s role regionally and reinforced its relations with major partners. Vietnam signed 121 agreements worth US$20 billion.”

Vice President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Asia James Fatheree said that people are happy to Vietnam’s organization, which shows the ability of a dynamic economy. Vietnam is on the right path recently. Hosting the APEC Meeting will bring Vietnam development opportunities and put it in the leading position.

Enhancing bilateral ties

Vietnamese leaders have several meetings with their counterparts from APEC member economies and CEOs of global groups. Appreciating Vietnam’s important position regionally and internationally, its efforts to improve the business environment, and its commitments with APEC member economies and the international community, they wanted to further boost relations with Vietnam.

Mr. Minh said “APEC 2017 is a chance for Vietnam to raise bilateral ties to a new level. Vietnam welcomed 4 high-level visits and hosted 50 meetings of senior leaders. They are opportunities for Vietnam to foster relations with other countries.”

VOV5