APEC has all the resources, potentials and capabilities to overcome challenges
Thursday, 02/03/2017 16:52 (GMT+7)
(CPV) - “I believe that APEC has all the resources, potentials and capabilities to overcome these challenges, and turn them into impetus for further growth and development. As a grouping of dynamic economies, our region can and will continue to move ahead on the path of development and prosperity,” said Mr. Bui Thanh Son, APEC 2017 SOM Chair.
Photo: 2017apec.vn
The first APEC Senior Officials Meeting (SOM1) opens in Nha Trang city, Khanh Hoa province, on March 2nd, with the attendance of delegates from 21 member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum. Mr. Bui Thanh Son, Vietnamese Permanent Deputy Foreign Minister, APEC 2017 SOM Chair has an opening speech at the meeting.
Despite some positive prediction, global and regional economic growth remains slow. Global trade is weak, and investment is subdued. There are many uncertainties. The benefits of globalization are not distributed fairly. New disruptive technologies, if not properly harnessed, run the risk of widening development disparity among economiesMr. Bui Thanh Son, Vietnamese Permanent Deputy Foreign Minister, APEC 2017 SOM Chair. Photo: apec2017.vn)
But Asia – Pacific region remains the engine of economic growth and integration, and a pioneer in advancing trade and investment liberalization.
It is against this backdrop that for the last 12 days, various committees and working groups that report to APEC Senior Officials have met to discuss their respective priorities and workplans for the year, including specific initiatives and programmes that will help advance those priorities as well as APEC overall goals.
Photo: apec2017.vn
“At this first SOM meeting, we will hear reports and recommendations that have come out of those discussions, and exchange views on how to advance APEC’s agenda in the four priority areas to help APEC affirm its relevance and role as the premier regional economic forum.
I also look forward to an in-depth discussion on ways to promote the inclusiveness of APEC, to ensure that growth, globalization and free and open trade and investment that APEC is championing will be beneficial to all people and do not leave anyone behind,” the APEC 2017 SOM Chair added.
“What I hope to take away from this First SOM is a strong message reaffirming APEC’s essential role as the premier economic forum that is working for the people and businesses. I also hope to see concrete initiatives and steps taken to advance our common objectives,” he concluded./.
Khac Kien
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