This will be the second time in 10 years that Vietnam hosts APEC. Hosting the event will be the realization of Vietnam’s determination to expand its international integration and promote multilateral external relations.
2017 is a year of great importance for Vietnam as it seeks to mobilize resources to promote its development, deepen bilateral relations, and strengthen cooperation between localities and enterprises.
The event creates an opportunity to widely promote Vietnam to the world. Being aware of the importance of this event, Vietnam began preparing for it in 2013.
In late 2013, Vietnam set up an Inter-Sectoral Working Group and the National Steering Committee to prepare for and organize the event.
Ambassador Nguyen Nguyet Nga, Senior Consultant to the Secretariat of APEC 2017, said, “We have prepared carefully for the event in all aspects including content, reception, logistics, and human resources. We have also mobilized the support of our partners and APEC members to organize the event. We have organized several consultations on preparing for APEC 2017."
"Vietnam will host some 200 meetings, including 20 ministry level events during the year and a one week summit. So, we need to prepare thoroughly for the event to promote the image of our country and create business opportunities for enterprises,” she added.
In addition to logistics and security in the face of terror threats, Vietnam has focused on mobilizing initiatives to prepare content for the event.
Ms Nguyen Nguyet Nga noted, “We now focus on APEC’s priorities to meet the demands of growth and connectivity. It’s important for APEC and Vietnam in particular to ensure quality growth and strengthen economic connectivity and restructuring."
"We also need to promote initiatives to support SMEs, strengthen human resource training, narrow development gaps, connect remote regions, and ensure agricultural growth, food safety, and water resource security. These are the demands not only of Vietnam but of APEC in general,” she said.
2017 is the first year that APEC leaders have agreed to organize cultural exchanges within APEC. This will create an opportunity for Vietnam to promote its image, humanity tradition, and cultural value.
APEC is an economic forum but in such an interconnected world, culture and society play a vital role.
It’s necessary to connect people of different economies and promote cultural exchanges to make economic cooperation more effective.
Ambassador Nguyen Nguyet Nga said, “Amidst numerous challenges in the region and the world, more than ever, we need a solution to protect peace and stability that is based on human relationship. More cultural exchanges will help to increase mutual respect, dialogues and cooperation in maintaining peace. Cultural exchanges will not only help increase mutual understanding and friendship but also connect people.”
Hosting the APEC 2017, Vietnam hopes to promote its rich traditional culture and friendly people as well as to contribute to the development, peace, and prosperity of the Asia Pacific region.
