Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Pham Quang Vinh (C) (Photo:VNA) 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.
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Source: NDO