DPM, FM Minh speaks at session "Transforming our wold: the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development"

INTERVENTION

H.E. PHAM BINH MINH, DPM
AND FOREIGN MINISTER OF VIET NAM

At the session “Transforming our world:
the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”

16h00-18h00, 16 February 2017

Message:
“Strengthen global partnership for achieving the goals of the 2030 Agenda”

Mr. President,

Two years ago, our leaders set a very ambitious agenda towards sustainable development. That ambition must now be followed by strong commitment to implementation.

A stable and predictable global economic environment is essential for sustainable development, particularly for developing countries. The G20 is best placed to ensure global macro-economic stability and a well-functioned financial system.

Equally important is a rule-based, pro-development and balanced multilateral trading system that responds to development needs of developing countries. Trade is a powerful engine for economic growth and job creation, particularly in developing countries. Viet Nam is a case in point.

We therefore call for strengthened and coordinated efforts at global, regional and national levels to boost global and regional trade, including better market access for developing countries. While it is necessary to ensure that the benefits of trade, and of growth more broadly, are enjoyed by all, we do not believe protectionism is the solution.

Lastly, Viet Nam believes in strong and effective global partnerships for sustainable development. We call for greater assistance of the G20 to developing countries for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, with focus on infrastructure and human resources development, technology transfer and addressing climate change. In this connection, we are grateful to many G20 members, including China, the United States, Japan, India, Republic of Korea, the EU and Friends of the Lower Mekong (FLM), for their support in the sustainable use of water resources and response to climate change in the Mekong river basin.

At the same time, South – South cooperation has been contributing to our overall efforts. Viet Nam has engaged in triangular cooperation with African countries, in various fields of agriculture, education and health care, which have produced very positive results. With more support from partners, this model of cooperation can be expanded in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals. We therefore welcome initiatives to enhance North-South and South-South cooperation, including the Compact with Africa.

Mr.President,

As APEC 2017 host, Viet Nam is closely working with APEC economies, nearly half of them are members of G20, for achieving sustainable, innovative and inclusive growth. APEC 2017 and G20 Agendas this year share many priorities. We therefore look forward to further strengthening the coordination and synergy of those priorities, and together to translate our ambition into tangible contribution to enhanced global partnership for sustainable development.

Thank you./.