Viet Nam APEC 2017 proves success of national unity

Illustration photo

The important diplomatic event brought together all leaders of 21 Asian-Pacific economic economies; inspired national pride in which Viet Nam enjoyed a chance to practically contribute to the development process of APEC and play the increasing role at the international arena. 

Viet Nam, one of the youngest members of the forum, was honored to become the chair of APEC for the second time. 

The country early set up a national steering committee, aide groups, and personnel to prepare for the APEC Year. 

The 2017 APEC National Committee was founded on July 16, 2015 and led by Deputy PM Pham Binh Minh. It comprised 26 ministerial, sectoral, and local leaders.

Deputy FM Son stressed that the most outstanding success of the 2017 APEC Year was collective factors especially the sound and excessive interests of the Party, State, and Government; especially the top leaders, positive participation and support of ministries, agencies, localities, enterprises, and people. 

Party and State leaders made drastic instructions in accordance with the theme. Especially, the year of 2017 is of great importance as the forum is about to enter the fourth decade of development. 

As the host of 2017, Viet Nam was the first foreign country which China's president and party chief Xi Jinping, visited after the 19th National Party Congress. Viet Nam also welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump, the first American President to the country in the first-year term in office.  In addition, Chilian President Michelle Bachelet and Canadian PM Justin Trudeau also paid official visits to Viet Nam. On this occasion, Viet Nam set up comprehensive strategic partnership with Canada. Vietnamese top leaders had nearly 50 contacts and meetings with leaders of APEC economies.

The decision to select 10 provinces and cities to host the 2017 APEC Year also received high praise of international friends. The combination of APEC conference themes with every locality not only upheld their strength but also forged a good opportunity for Viet Nam to introduce special products and cultures to international friends. Especially, Da Nang city was selected for the APEC Economic Leaders' Week, vividly representing the dynamic and modern image of Viet Nam which is an indispensable part of the Asia-Pacific Region. 

Politic and diplomatic consultations and campaigns in service of the event were conducted at all levels via both bilateral and multilateral channels. Especially, Viet Nam always relied on the strength and unity of ASEAN. 

On this occasion, 20 documents were passed, including eight ones at the APEC Economic Leaders' Week. These figure illustrated the high consensus and determination of APEC member economies, which expected to make the forum a pioneering mechanism to realize global targets on sustainable growth.

In addition, the business community played a key role in the success of the 2017 APEC Year./.

By Kim Loan