APEC 2017 – Strategic Vision of Vietnam’s Diplomacy
Politburo member/ Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh addresses the second APEC Senior Officials Meeting (SOM 2).
Photo: Cong Dat/VNP
In a recent article published by multiple local media outlets, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh, also Chairman of the APEC 2017 National Committee, wrote that APEC Year 2017 is a critical opportunity for Vietnam to affirm its diplomatic wisdom, especially in multilateral external activities amidst strong efforts to integrate internationally.
APEC Vietnam 2017’s theme “Creating New Dynamism, Fostering A Shared Future” has been praised by APEC members and partners.
Based on APEC cooperation outcomes in past years, Vietnam put forth four priorities: promoting sustainable, innovative and inclusive growth; deepening regional economic integration; strengthening micro, small and medium enterprises’ competitiveness and innovation in the digital age; and enhancing food security and sustainable agriculture in response to climate change.
The theme, priorities and cooperation in APEC Year 2017 illustrate the vision of the country’s diplomacy, he noted, saying that firstly, Vietnam wants a peaceful and stable Asia-Pacific with dynamic development which continues driving growth and economic connectivity in the region and the world.
Secondly, APEC activities this year must create driving forces for growth and raise regional economic connectivity. They must prove that APEC is a forum for people and businesses. It is also urgent to attain the Bogor Goals, maintain connectivity within frameworks like the Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, and work to form a Free Trade Area in the Asia-Pacific region.
Thirdly, APEC this year is expected to continue in its role as the initiator, guide and coordinator of economic connectivity, helping build a sustainable, transparent and adaptable regional structure that ensures the harmony of multi-level mechanisms.
State President Tran Dai Quang addressed the “Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue On APEC Toward 2020 And Beyond” held on May 16, 2017
in Hanoi. Photo: Tran Cong Dat
State President Tran Dai Quang and delegates attending the “Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue On APEC Toward 2020 And Beyond” pose for a photo.
Photo: Tran Cong Dat
Lastly, after 28 years of development, it’s time to shape APEC’s post-2020 vision, which needs to clarify targets, long-term orientations and cooperation pillars in the next 10-15 years. It is necessary to bring into play the spirit of equal, win-win, voluntary and non-binding cooperation so as to ensure the forum’s dynamism and attractiveness in a region with a diverse history, culture and development levels.
He expressed his belief that APEC Vietnam 2017 will create new driving forces for the forum. It is also a chance for the country to help shape the future of APEC and the region’s economic structure.
Growing Stature, Practical Benefits
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh wrote that for Vietnam, APEC is one of the important multilateral forums that brings about substantive benefits. It gathers 13 of the country’s 25 most strategic and comprehensive partners, along with many leading economic and trade partners of the country.
Therefore, APEC Year 2017 is a focus of Vietnam and also the country’s most significant contribution to the forum.
Activities this year will allow Vietnam to boost the stable and sustainable development of the partnerships it has set up, particularly with key APEC members, he noted.
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Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc attended and delivered an important speech at the APEC Ministers Responsible For Trade (APEC MRT 23) meeting
held on May 20, 2017 in Hanoi. Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and heads of delegates attending the APEC Ministers Responsible For Trade (APEC MRT 23) meeting.
Photo: Thong Nhat/VNA
Additionally, accelerating the realisation of the Bogor Goals and APEC’s strategies and action plans, along with Vietnam’s efforts to fulfill commitments in free trade agreements, will help promote reforms, economic restructuring and the shifting of the growth model in the country while improving the local business and investment climate.
Meanwhile, about 200 activities of APEC in 2017 will generate cooperation, business and tourism opportunities, Minh wrote, saying that the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week in Da Nang alone is to be attended by 10,000 delegates and entrepreneurs as well as big media groups from around the world.
Deputy Prime Minister Minh voiced his belief that with Vietnam’s efforts and other member economies’ and partners’ support, APEC Vietnam 2017 will be successful, contributing to the country’s development and affirming its vision and new stature.
Permanent Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son, Chair of SOM APEC 2017 gives the press an interview on the results of SOM 2.
Photo: Tran Cong Dat
Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh who chairs the APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade (APEC MRT 23)
meeting and heads of delegations. Photo: Tran Cong Dat
The second APEC Senior Officials Meeting (SOM 2) and related meetings held from May 9-21 in Hanoi reached important achievements,
making a contribution to promoting the implementation of themes and priorities of APEC 2017. Photo: Tran Cong Dat
The event attracts special attention from the domestic and international press. Photo: Tran Cong Dat
By VNA/VNP
