San Francisco: At the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week 2023, members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) unanimously recognized and commended Vietnam’s significant contributions over the past two decades. The affirmation came from Vietnam’s Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son, who relayed the details of President Vo Van Thuong’s participation in the week-long event held from November 14 to 17.
According to Vietnam News Agency, this year’s gathering was particularly notable as it marked the 25th anniversary of Vietnam’s APEC membership. President Thuong, accompanied by a high-ranking delegation, played an instrumental role in the success of the event. He proposed new approaches to address global economic challenges, emphasizing inclusivity, harmony, and humanity. His suggestions for APEC’s future direction – focusing on trade and investment liberalization, regional resilience, and a cooperative framework for growth – were well received and incorporated into the meeting’s outcome document.
Vietnam’s offer to host APEC in 2027 garnered support from member economies, underscoring its commitment to multilateralism and active engagement in the Asia-Pacific region. This proposal reflects Vietnam’s policy of comprehensive and intensive global integration, aligning with the objectives set by the 13th National Party Congress.
Vietnamese representatives actively collaborated with the United States and other member nations in the preparation and deliberation processes, contributing significantly to the forum’s overall success. President Thuong’s bilateral engagements, including meetings with various APEC leaders and influential figures, further reinforced Vietnam’s stature and role in the region. These interactions opened avenues for enhanced cooperation in multiple sectors and mutual support in regional and international forums.
On the bilateral front, President Thuong met with key U.S. figures, including President Joe Biden, Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and Los Angeles Deputy Mayor Erin Bromaghim. He engaged with leading U.S. enterprises like Boeing and Apple, and delivered an address at the Council on Foreign Relations. His speech, focusing on the global situation, Vietnam’s foreign policy, and Vietnam-U.S. relations, was highly regarded by the U.S. audience.
The discussions also focused on reinforcing economic, trade, and investment ties, with emphasis on science, technology, and innovation as key cooperation areas. Both sides committed to addressing climate change challenges and enhancing education and training collaborations. U.S. businesses expressed continued interest in the Vietnamese market, particularly in high-tech, infrastructure, and energy sectors, and pledged support for Vietnam’s digital and green transitions.
Minister Son highlighted the success of the trip, noting its alignment with Vietnam’s foreign policy as defined by the 13th National Party Congress. The visit served not only to communicate Vietnam’s perspectives on global and regional challenges but also to reinforce its role and stature in the international community. The anticipated hosting of APEC in 2027 is poised to further assert Vietnam’s strategic vision for the Asia-Pacific and its growing influence on the global stage.