DAVOS – Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc has engaged in a series of sessions and meetings with world and business leaders as part of his sideline activities at the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland.

At a high-level dialogue on responsive and responsible leadership on Thursday, he called on countries to act responsibly toward regional and global peace and stability. In his remarks, he also placed high value on the role of multilateral organisations, especially the United Nations, in promoting the common interests of the international community.

Meanwhile, in an opening speech at a session on the outlook of ASEAN after 50 years of development, the Vietnamese leader highlighted the group’s achievements, its consensus principle and the “ASEAN Way” that has formed the bloc’s identity.

ASEAN should effectively implement the roadmap to the ASEAN Economic Community and take advantage of free trade agreements with partners to attract investment and foster trade, he added. Viet Nam has made important and responsible contributions to ASEAN unity, and it has joined other ASEAN countries in building a strong ASEAN Community.

During a meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres the same day, PM Phúc assured him that Việt Nam will continue its proactive participation and effective contribution to the UN’s important issues. The two sides also voiced their delight at the growing relationship between Việt Nam and the UN.

While talking to his Dutch counterpart Mark Rutte, the PM praised the effectiveness of the extensive co-operation with the Netherlands, particularly in the building of the Mekong Delta Plan.

PM Phúc asked the country to continue assisting Việt Nam to implement the strategic partnership agreement on sustainable agriculture and food security and to support Việt Nam’s candidacy for a non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council for 2020-2021.

Meeting with Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, he said he hopes the Queen will share her experience in inclusive finance development and help promote partners’ assistance to Việt Nam in building credit programmes targeting low-income and ethnic minority groups.

During a January 19 meeting with Swiss President Doris Leuthard, the Prime Minister celebrated the well-organised practical activities marking the 45th anniversary of Việt Nam-Switzerland diplomatic ties. He also appreciated the Swiss Government’s commitment of US$90 million in financial aid to Việt Nam for 2017-2020, a major step toward developing high-quality Vietnamese education.

Speaking to Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe, PM Phúc urged both sides to effectively coordinate bilateral cooperation mechanisms. They should also consider setting up a joint committee at the ministerial level to boost ties and work out concrete measures to augment trade, investment, tourism and agricultural cooperation.

At separate meetings with executives of global enterprises, the leader asked UK group Prudential to expand operations in Việt Nam and to have more programmes and projects to help enhance the local insurance and financial services industries.

PM Phúc showed support for US firm Alphabet-Google’s opening of an office in Việt Nam, adding that Việt Nam boasts huge potential for IT development. He also invited the group’s representatives to attend the APEC Business Advisory Council and the APEC meetings in Việt Nam later this year.

He told executives of the US’s Carlyle and Qualcomm groups that his country is pressing on with measures to improve the investment climate and tap into its IT development potential.

Phúc also celebrated the Swiss Re Group’s operations in Việt Nam, saying their efforts have helped improve competitiveness in the country’s insurance system.

The PM also asked Swiss Re to share its expertise and carry out more cooperation programmes and projects in this field, especially agricultural insurance. — VNS