Vietnam suggests APEC promote leading role in free trade
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) should carry forward its leading role in promoting free trade, said Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son at the 32nd APEC Ministerial Meeting held in the form of teleconference on November 8-9.
The 32nd APEC Ministerial Meeting held in the form of teleconference on November 8-9. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – The Asia-Pacific EconomicCooperation (APEC) should carry forward its leading role in promoting free trade,said Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son at the 32nd APEC MinisterialMeeting held in the form of teleconference on November 8-9.
He suggested the APEC reduce measures that wouldhinder trade and cause discrimination, especially those on essential goods,expand the network of free trade agreement (FTAs), and boost an open, inclusiveand multilateral trade system that is based on rules and WTO reform.
The minister said the APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040demonstrates the resolve and commitments of APEC members to overcome difficultiesand regain sustainable and strong economic growth, for prosperity of people andfuture generations.
Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen HongDien also joined Minister Son at the 32nd APEC Ministerial Meetingthat saw the attendance of representatives from 21 member economies and guestsfrom the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ABAC), the Association of SoutheastAsian Nations (ASEAN) and the WTO.
The event was co-chaired by New Zealand ForeignMinister Nanaia Mahuta and Trade and Export Growth Minister Damien O'Connor.
The participants on November 9 compared notes onmeasures to foster cooperation towards a self-resilient and prosperous Asia-Pacific region, and stressed the need to step up measures to cope with the COVID-19pandemic, thus ensuring equal access to vaccines and treatment.
They also discussed cooperation in vaccine research,production expansion and supply, as well as investment in health care.
The 32nd APEC Ministerial Meeting held in the form of teleconference on November 8-9. (Photo: VNA)
The ministers said economic, trade and socialpolicies should bring about equal opportunities and jobs for all people, promotepotential of vulnerable groups, forge collaboration in climate change response and sustainable management of natural resources, and ensure food and waterresources security.
At another working session on November 8, theministers shared experience in economic recovery and exchanged views on cooperationefforts in trade and investment for regional recovery, and the APEC’scontributions to the WTO's 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12).
At the end of the event, the foreign and economicministers adopted a joint statement and two appendices on mid-term assessmentof the service competition roadmap in APEC and the APEC environmentalservices reference list./.
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) region posted a 6.1-percent increase in economic growth in the first quarter of 2021, bouncing back strongly from a 2-percent decline in the first quarter of 2020, according to an updated report by the APEC Policy Support Unit.
Agriculture and food ministers from member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) have committed to delivering a new roadmap to guide efforts to boost food security over the next ten years.
The Ministry of International Trade & Industry of Malaysia (MITI) has called for stronger cooperation among member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum to ensure sustainable and inclusive recovery.
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.
The 32nd APEC Ministerial Meeting held in the form of teleconference on November 8-9. (Photo: VNA) 
The 32nd APEC Ministerial Meeting held in the form of teleconference on November 8-9. (Photo: VNA) 
