As the first many events leading to the 25th APEC Economic Leaders’ Week (AELW), CSOM saw the participation of nearly 200 delegates.
In face of many difficulties and challenges that this year brought for APEC cooperation, member economies have managed to secure many important results, maintaining the momentum of cooperation, reaching convergence on a wide range of issues to push forward this year’s priorities and support other APEC’s ongoing works.
Speaking at the press conference, Mr Son said that Vietnam has greatly benefited from the active engagement and contributions of all member economies and other stakeholders to advance this APEC process in their desired direction.
Photo: ATP
The meeting has focused on reviewing the progress of APEC cooperation this year, and deliverables to be reported to APEC Ministers and Economic Leaders for consideration, and finalizing the AMM Statement and AELW Declaration.
APEC Senior Officials have wrapped up key outcomes and deliverables of APEC committees and working groups in 2017, which support APEC 2017 over-arching theme. The four priorities are: promoting sustainable, innovative and inclusive growth, deepening regional economic integration, strengthening MSMEs’ competitiveness and innovation in the digital age, and enhancing food security and sustainable agriculture in response to climate change.
According to APEC 2017 SOM Chair, participants also agreed with the importance of human resources to the common development of the region, saying that the gap between economic growth and economic development is likely leaving some of the poorer and most vulnerable behind, especially in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution 4.0 (4IR) and strong development of globalization.
Vietnam is consistently implementing the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation and development; openness and diversification and multilateralization of international relations. Besides APEC, the nation is a member ASEAN Economic Community, and part of other trade agreements (both bilateral and multi-lateral), regionally and globally.
In response to a question asked by a male reporter, regarding Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiation, members are seeking to move forward with the trade agreement after the US withdrew, hoping to create a balance of benefit.
Mr Son also informed that Vietnam highly valued the upcoming US President Donald Trump' presence during AELM in Central Da Nang city and his official visit to the nation as well./.