Former Canadian Ambassador to Vietnam David Devine. (Photo: Internet) Ottawa (VNA) – Vietnam takes second placeto no one in the organisation of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)forum, former Canadian Ambassador to Vietnam David Devine has told theOttawa-based Vietnam News Agency correspondent.
He said hosting APEC 2017 is a great honour but alsobig responsibility for Vietnam. The country expects to welcome representativesfrom the 21 member economies and leading businesses in the region to discussimportant issues in the Asian-Pacific region.
The diplomat highlighted APEC objectives,including the connection of member economies for mutual benefits.
He also anticipated difficulties, including trade protectionism,which need to be addressed.
For Vietnam, the country has gained achievementsthanks to the implementation of the “Doi moi” (reform) policy since 1986, hesaid, adding that Vietnam has the strongest growth pace than any other countryaround the world.
He also called on APEC leaders to reiteratetheir commitments to fulfilling the Bogor goals for realising free and opentrade in Asia-Pacific by 2020.
Established in 1989, APEC comprises Australia, Brunei,Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong (China), Indonesia, Japan, the Republic ofKorea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines,Russia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, the US, and Vietnam.
The year 2017 sees the second time Vietnam has playedhost to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum after 19 years ofbeing a member of the forum.
Themed “Creating New Dynamism, Fostering a SharedFuture”, the APEC Year 2017 aims to seek dynamism for integration,connectivity, and economic growth and realise the long-term goals of “fosteringa shared future” of peace, stability, development and prosperity.
The APEC Economic Leaders’ Week, the most importantexternal event in Vietnam, is scheduled to take place in the central city of DaNang from November 4-11 with the participation of leaders from the 21 membereconomies along with over 2,000 leading corporate executives and nearly 3,000 reporters inthe region and around the world.-VNA
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