Since its establishment in 1989, APEC has maintained its leading role in promoting cooperation, integration and development in the Asia-Pacific region, Son said, noting that the forum has contributed practical benefits to 40 % of the world population while representing 57 % of global GDP and 49 % of world trade.
APEC is of great significance for Vietnam’s innovation process, international integration and development. The APEC Year in 2017 is one of the top priorities in the country's diplomatic policies until 2020, the Vietnamese diplomat said.
Along with activities of ASEAN, the UN and the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the APEC Year in 2017 is seen as evidence for Vietnam’s policies to boost comprehensive international integration and multi-lateral external relations.
A score of measures were also discussed at the forum with a view to enhancing APEC’s role and joint efforts to make the APEC Year 2017 a great success.
Joining the forum in 1998, Vietnam successfully hosted APEC 2006 and the sixth APEC Human Resources Development Ministerial Meeting in September 2014.
