APEC Summit Week 2017 is expected to attract some 10,000 participants, including 2,000 delegates, 3,000 reporters and 5,000 enterprises. Da Nang is stepping up preparations for the event.
The new terminal at Da Nang airport for international passengers is one of the main infrastructure projects being built to prepare for APEC 2017. The construction is half complete, with the builders now finishing the roof before the rainy season kicks off. During the rains, the inside of the terminal will be built so the construction will be finished on time.
"Ensuring the construction is ready to accommodate APEC is our top priority. Yet, in the long run, Da Nang international airport will be an aviation hub of the central region", said Le Khac Hong - General Director of Da Nang International Airport, Investment and Exploitation Joint Stock Company.
The terminal is scheduled to be in operation by the beginning of 2017 to receive advance delegates to prepare for the APEC meeting. Da Nang is also focusing on accommodation for the APEC 17 delegations. The city is reviewing 13,000 rooms at coastal four and five star resorts and hotels.
Established in November 1989, APEC now comprises 21 economies, representing around 57 per cent of global GDP and 47 per cent of world trade. Viet Nam joined the forum in 1998. Since then, the country has hosted APEC 2006 and the sixth APEC Human Resources Development Ministerial Meeting in September 2014.