APEC should work for WTO's better performance: Minister
APEC member economies should prioritise discussing reform of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to improve its operational efficiency, stated Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien at the 29th Meeting of APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) in Hanoi on May 28.
Hanoi (VNA) - APEC member economies should prioritise discussing reform of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to improve its operational efficiency, stated Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien at the 29th Meeting of APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) in Detroit, Michigan State of the US on May 28.
Dien underlined the need for APEC economies to continue efforts to realise the outcomes of the WTO's 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) and prepare for the upcoming MC13.
At the opening session of the meeting in Detroit, Michigan, the US, APEC ministers focused on discussing ways to support the rules-based multilateral trading system and effective measures to promote the reform of WTO.
Director-General of the WTO Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala updated the ministers on new developments at the organisation in recent years, especially the implementation of the results of the MC12 and preparation for the MC13.
The WTO leader emphasised the need for WTO members to be flexible and realistic and show political determination in resolving outstanding issues in order to strengthen the WTO's central position in the multilateral trading system. She welcomed APEC's implementation of initiatives and activities that contribute to promoting similar discussions in the WTO.
Okonjo-Iweala and the APEC ministers expressed their hope that reform and progress in WTO negotiations will bring in positive results, contributing to strengthening the role of the multilateral trading system as well as the global and regional economic integration.
On the sidelines of MRT29, Minister Dien also had a meeting with Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Nishimura Yasutoshi, a representative of the APEC Business Advisory Council, and leaders of a number of enterprises, along with other bilateral activities./.
President Nguyen Xuan Phuc has stated that trade and investment benefits must harmonise with responsibility for environment protection and green transformation, and promotion of sci-tech and innovation.
President Nguyen Xuan Phuc on November 19 met with Chief Executive of the Hong Kong (China) Special Administrative Region Lee Ka-chiu and Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Kristalina Georgieva on the sidelines of the 29th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Thailand.
Thailand has received compliments from the APEC Secretariat for its excellent hosting of the 29th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting and related events this year.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
An overview of the meeting (Photo: VNA) 
