The fourth APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) Meeting (Photo: vov.vn)
On the theme of “Creating New Dynamism, Fostering a Shared Future”, the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week officially opened on November 6th in the central city of Da Nang.
This is the second time Vietnam has hosted the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, which shows how the status of Vietnam’s dynamism, prestige, and position has been exalted at international forums.
A week full of scheduled important events
Da Nang is becoming a global destination with the presence of more than 10,000 delegates attending the landmark international week with four key events: the APEC CEO Summit, the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) Dialogue with APEC Economic Leaders, the 25th APEC Economic Leaders’ Retreat, the first Vietnam Business Summit, among many other important events.
The week is an excellent opportunity for APEC member economies to strengthen connectivity and cooperation, and for world leaders to make commitments and decisive political and economic policies with direct impacts on global stability.
In the context of a fast changing world and emergent non-traditional security and terrorism threats, APEC has raised concern for regional political and security issues with its own issuance of declarations on anti-terrorism and climate change, to enhance its role and status and role in the international arena.
The presence of leaders from 21 of the world’s largest economies- the US, China, Japan, Russia, Australia, and Canada, and international organizations- the World Trade Organization and World Economic Forum, global CEOs, as well as major media agencies- BBC, CNN, Reuters, AP, and AFP- affirms the international focus on and vital significance of the APEC Summit in Da Nang.
With proper decisive policies, there are high hopes for APEC to become an important venue, giving initiatives and creativity to elevate regional growth and economic connectivity to new heights.
The week will also witness the signing of trade, economic, and investment agreements between Vietnam and APEC members, as well as among APEC member economies.
Leaders of APEC member economies will hold a host of bilateral meetings to strengthen connectivity and cooperation towards a new vision for the Asia-Pacific region, not limited to economics and trade but also encompassing global stability, growth, peace, and prosperity.
Representing about 39% of the world’s population, contributing 57% of global GDP, and 49% of international trade, APEC has been promoting its pioneering role in the global efforts, laying a foundation for extensive regional political cooperation and affirming its prestige and status in world leadership.
APEC asserts Vietnam’s posture
Hosting the important event for the second time, Vietnam has highlighted its role as a leading, responsible, and dynamic APEC member.
The country has set four priorities: promoting sustainable, innovative, and inclusive growth; deepening regional economic integration; strengthening the competitiveness and innovation of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs); and enhancing food security and sustainable agriculture in response to climate change.
Vietnam, together with other APEC member economies have promoted regional connectivity and created the motivation for regional economic development. All of Vietnam’s initiatives earned positive responses from international friends.
As a proactive and responsible APEC member, Vietnam will successfully organize the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week, thereby demonstrating its endeavor and brainpower in the comprehensive international integration process./.