Beijing (VNA) – Leaders from29 countries, the UN, WB and IMF took part in a roundtable discussion on May 15as part of the Belt and Road Forum, which is underway in Beijing, China.

The Vietnamese delegation was headedby President Tran Dai Quang.

Opening the function, ChinesePresident Xi Jinping stressed the importance of multilateral cooperation withinthe framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, which aims at peace, stability,and development.

Participating leaders agreed toboost international collaboration through the promotion of cooperativemechanisms and development strategies in the region and in the world, includingthe Belt and Road Initiative.

They stressed their commitments toincreasing engagements in industry, trade, investment, finance, infrastructuredevelopment, and science-technology and to assisting the participation of microand small enterprises in the global value chain.

They said they will foster connectivityamong nations and support the growth of underdeveloped and developingcountries, while enhancing people-to-people exchange, and cultural andeducational cooperation.

Adapting to climate change,particularly the management of natural resources and sustainable growth, wasalso said to be the key to the collaboration, which values peace, transparency,inclusiveness, equality, and mutual benefit and respect.

The leaders talked about principlesof cooperation, which highlights the common respect for the UN Charter’s goalsand principles, international law, national sovereignty, cultural diversity andsustainability.

They also agreed to build andimplement joint projects based on consultation and combine the roles of themarket, enterprises and government.

Speaking at the discussion,President Quang said Vietnam supports initiatives on trade and regionalconnectivity, including the Belt and Road Initiative.

Vietnam is willing to join othernations to study and implement projects that could bring mutual benefits andsustainability, he said.

He proposed that the Belt and Roadpartnership need to be in line with the UN’s 2030 Agenda for SustainableDevelopment, and prioritise practical projects and voluntary and equalcollaboration.

The President also talked aboutVietnam’s efforts to connect transport with neighbouring countries and helplandlocked nations take part in the global trade system.

He stressed the necessity ofconvenient and effective transport infrastructure to link up countries and regionsacross the globe. 

He said to come up with a long-termvision and plan for transport connectivity, international institutions couldstudy and assess overall conditions, thus suggesting key sectors forinvestments.

Quang took the occasion to brief participantson the APEC Year 2017 hosted by Vietnam and noted Vietnam has been workingtogether with APEC member economies to push ahead the Asia-Pacific partnership.

The roundtable discussion ended witha Joint Statement that affirms the responsibilities of countries in boostingpeace and mutually beneficial partnership in line with the UN Charter andinternational law toward inclusive and sustainable growth.

The same day, President Quang and his spouse left Beijing for Vietnam,concluding the five-day visit to China.-VNA