Vietnam calls for initiatives to ensure efficient functioning of APEC supply chains
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies needs to continue promoting free and open trade and investment, undertake initiatives to ensure regional supply chains to function smoothly and efficiently, and facilitate the movements of essential goods, Minister of Trade and Industry Nguyen Hong Dien has said.
Minister of Trade and Industry Nguyen Hong Dien speaks at the virtual APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting on June 5. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation(APEC) economies needs to continue promoting free and open trade andinvestment, undertake initiatives to ensure regional supply chains to functionsmoothly and efficiently, and facilitate the movements of essential goods,Minister of Trade and Industry Nguyen Hong Dien has said.
He made the statement at the virtual APEC MinistersResponsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting chaired by Damien O’Connor, New Zealand’sMinister for Trade and Export Growth, on June 5. The meeting focused on tradeand investment’s role in ensuring widespread and equitable access to COVID-19vaccines and essential goods, and how to prevent disruption of global supplychains.
To gain positive economic growth and social stability,APEC economies should stay united and determined to maintain free and opentrade and investment, strengthen regional economic integration, and enhanceAPEC’s leading role in Asia-Pacific, Dien said.
He urged the APEC member economies to focus discussionson finalizing an action plan for the APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040 this year,which would lay basis for intra-bloc cooperation over the next two decades.
As COVID-19-induced social distancing rules and travelrestrictions remain in place in many economies, e-commerce and digitaltransformation play an increasingly important part in economic development anddaily life. The Vietnamese minister proposed APEC to bolster collaboration ininnovation, digital trade and the Internet; ensure effective digitalinfrastructure and connectivity; building digital capability for its businessesand workforce, particularly disadvantaged groups such as women and people withdisabilities.
Damien O’Connor, New Zealand’s Minister for Trade and Export Growth, chairs the 27th APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting on June 5. (Photo: VNA)
He singled out the pressing issue of COVID-19 vaccineproduction and distribution, which is considered the most effective way toprotect the community’s well-being. Vietnam supports cooperation within APECthat ensures safe, effective, fair and timely production and supply of COVID-19vaccines; minimise intellectual property barriers to COVID-19 vaccines; andfoster information exchange and technology transfer for the vaccine production,he said.
In that spirit, he continued, Vietnam backed the adoptionof a APEC MRT Statement on COVID-19 Vaccine Supply Chains.
He further noted that Vietnam is ready to cooperate withother APEC economies in addressing challenges posed by the pandemic anddeveloping a post-pandemic economic recovery plan that provides supports foraffected enterprises and maintain social welfare./.
Thailand has expressed its support for the three key statements to be announced by the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, local media reported.
Vietnam and New Zealand have pledged to enhance cooperation within the framework of free trade agreements (FTAs) as well as offer mutual support at multilateral forums such as the WTO and APEC.
The clinical trials of Vietnamese COVID-19 vaccine candidate Nano Covax are set to enter Phase 3 this month with the optimal dosage of 25mcg, aiming to further test the safety and efficacy of the vaccine in humans before mass production begins.
Russia is going to discuss the cooperation in manufacturing the COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik-V in Vietnam, according to Press Secretary for the Russian President Dmitry Peskov.
The trip will be made at the invitations of Chinese Premier Li Qiang and WEF President and CEO Børge Brende, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Long spoke highly of the dynamic, positive, and comprehensive development of Vietnam – Russia relations in recent years. He affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State place great importance on further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in a substantive and effective manner, in line with the development needs of both nations.
At the conference, participants reported that the Government has so far issued 28 decrees on the delegation of responsibilities and powers between the central Government and two-tier local administrations. Several localities have already piloted the new governance model.
Reality is the ultimate benchmark for success, he said, urging drafting agencies to work out policies that foster development, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and respect practical conditions.
Under the official dispatch signed on June 20, ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, and chairpersons of provincial and municipal People’s Committees are requested to concentrate efforts on implementing core measures to ensure the smooth operations of the new administrative framework.
The Party chief underscored the need for the press to innovate relentlessly, evolve to keep pace with the country's development, transform into a truly professional, humanistic, and modern sector that serves the cause of the Party, the State, and the people on the path to national construction and development.
The UN Secretary-General praised Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in socio-economic development and international integration in recent years, noting that the country has emerged as a model in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting international peace and security, and engaging in key UN processes.
Nghia affirmed that this is a milestone of special significance, affirming and honouring the the Vietnamese revolutionary press’s glorious tradition of 100 years of serving the revolutionary cause of the Party, serving the Fatherland, and serving the people.
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.
Minister of Trade and Industry Nguyen Hong Dien speaks at the virtual APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting on June 5. (Photo: VNA)
Damien O’Connor, New Zealand’s Minister for Trade and Export Growth, chairs the 27th APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting on June 5. (Photo: VNA)
