Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Pham Quang Vinh introduced the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2017 hosted by Vietnam at the fifth annual Asian Architecture Conference recently held in the US.

Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Pham Quang Vinh (C)

He said from the beginning of this year, Vietnam has proactively coordinated with member partners and business community to promote cooperation for growth and expand investment, trade, integration and sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region.

With the theme “Creating new dynamism, fostering a shared future”, Vietnam has been hosting nearly 200 meetings at all levels within the APEC framework, focusing on four priorities: promoting sustainable, innovative and inclusive growth; deepening regional economic integration; strengthening micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) competitiveness and innovation in the digital age; and enhancing food security and sustainable agriculture in response to climate change.

The meetings’ outcomes are important preparations for the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week and related meetings in November in the central city of Da Nang, which is expected to map out development orientations for APEC in the coming time, especially how to maintain economic cooperation, expand trade and investment, and increase regional connectivity.

Over the past time, Vietnam has coordinated with other APEC member economies and businesses in putting forth important proposals and initiatives to bring new momentum to APEC and regional cooperation.

Vietnam welcomes and highly values the participation of top leaders from APEC member economies, Vinh said, adding that the success of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week will contribute to peace, stability, development and prosperity in the region.

Co-president of the parliamentary group supporting APEC at the US House of Representatives Rick Larsen said APEC plays a significant role in the US’ foreign policy in the region, especially after the country’s withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matt Matthews affirmed that the US President Donald Trump’s announcement to participate in the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week in Vietnam reaffirms the US’ commitments to the Asian-Pacific region and its desire to promote cooperation with APEC in various fields, including digital trade, removal of trade barriers, improvement of science-technology capacity, and enhancement of women’s role in economy. 

Along with APEC, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is an important partner of the US in the region, he said, adding that the US hopes the two sides will continue implementing the US-ASEAN Connectivity initiative as well as promote bilateral trade and investment partnership.

Established in 1989, APEC comprises 21 economies, including Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, the US, and Vietnam.

The APEC Economic Leaders’ Week 2017 is scheduled to take place in Vietnam’s central city of Da Nang from November 6-11 with the participation of leaders from the 21 member economies.

VNA