Hanoi (VNA) –Hosting Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) events in 2017 demonstratesthe strategic diplomatic vision and growing stature of Vietnam, according toDeputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh.

APEC 2017– Strategic vision of Vietnam’s diplomacy

In a recent article published by muliple localmedia outlets, Minh, also Chairman of the APEC 2017 National Committee, wrotethat APEC Year 2017 is a critical opportunity for Vietnam to affirm itsdiplomatic wisdom, especially in multilateral external activities amidst strongefforts to integrate internationally.

APEC Vietnam 2017’s theme “Creating NewDynamism, Fostering A Shared Future” has been praised by APEC members andpartners.

Based on APEC cooperation outcomes in pastyears, Vietnam put forth four priorities: promoting sustainable, innovative andinclusive growth; deepening regional economic integration; strengthening micro,small and medium enterprises’ competitiveness and innovation in the digitalage; and enhancing food security and sustainable agriculture in response toclimate change.

The theme, priorities and cooperation directionsin APEC Year 2017 illustrate the vision of the country’s diplomacy, he noted, sayingthat firstly, Vietnam wants a peaceful and stable Asia-Pacific with dynamicdevelopment which continues driving growth and economic connectivity in theregion and the world.

Secondly, APEC activities this year must createdriving forces for growth and raise regional economic connectivity. They mustprove that APEC is a forum for people and businesses. It is also urgent toattain the Bogor Goals, maintain connectivity within frameworks like theTrans-Pacific Partnership and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership,and work to form a Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific.

Thirdly, APEC this year is expected to continue inits role as the initiator, guide and coordinator of economic connectivity, helpingbuild a sustainable, transparent and adaptable regional structure that ensuresthe harmony of multi-level mechanisms.

Lastly, after 28 years of development, it’s timeto shape APEC’s post-2020 vision, which needs to clarify targets, long-termorientations and cooperation pillars in the next 10-15 years. It is necessaryto bring into play the spirit of equal, win-win, voluntary and non-bindingcooperation so as to ensure the forum’s dynamism and attractiveness in a regionwith diverse history, culture and development levels, the Deputy PM added.

He expressed his belief that APEC Vietnam 2017will create new driving forces for the forum. It is also a chance for thecountry to help shape the future of APEC and the region’s economic structure.

Growingstature, practical benefits

Minh wrote that to Vietnam, APEC is one of theimportant multilateral forums that brings about substantive benefits. Itgathers 13 of the country’s 25 strategic and comprehensive partners, along withmany leading economic and trade partners of the country.

Therefore, APEC Year 2017 is a focus of Vietnamand also the country’s most significant contribution to the forum.

Activities this year will allow Vietnam to boostthe stable and sustainable development of the partnerships it has set up,particularly with key APEC members, he noted.

Additionally, accelerating the realisation ofthe Bogor Goals and APEC’s strategies and action plans, along with Vietnam’sefforts to fulfill commitments in free trade agreements, will help promotereforms, economic restructuring and the shifting of the growth model in thecountry while improving the local business and investment climate.

Meanwhile, about 200 activities of APEC in 2017 willgenerate cooperation, business and tourism opportunities, Minh wrote, sayingthat the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week in Da Nang city alone is set to be attendedby 10,000 delegates and entrepreneurs as well as big media groups from aroundthe world.

Deputy PM Minh voiced his belief that withVietnam’s efforts and other member economies’ and partners’ support, APECVietnam 2017 will be successful, contributing to the country’s development andaffirming its vision and new stature.-VNA