President Trần Đại Quang on Thursday urged the National Committee for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum to forge ahead with thorough preparations for the upcoming events of APEC Year 2017 being hosted by Việt Nam. He spoke at the committee’s eighth plenary session held in Hà Nội. — VNA/VNS Photo An Đăng

HÀ NỘI — President Trần Đại Quang on Thursday urged the National Committee for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum to forge ahead with thorough preparations for the upcoming events of APEC Year 2017 being hosted by Việt Nam. He spoke at the committee’s eighth plenary session held in Hà Nội.

President Quang hailed ministries, relevant departments and localities for the preparations ahead of the three ministerial-level and four senior official meetings of the 21 Asia-Pacific economies held in the first half of this year.

In the context of regional and global developments, it is necessary to recognise and seize opportunities to implement the targets set by the Party and State in hosting APEC 2017, he said.

Việt Nam needs to promote its role as host of APEC 2017 – an important economic forum that plays a crucial role in terms of strategy, economics, politics and security, he added.

The APEC heads of state summit slated for November in the central coastal city of Đà Nẵng is intended to increase Việt Nam’s prestige and deepen relations among APEC member economies, he stressed. This occasion must be used to promote national strength, potential and economic co-operation, he said.

In addition to speeding up infrastructure preparation and increasing communications to promote the land, people and culture of Việt Nam, it is important to ensure absolute safety for the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, he said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Phạm Bình Minh, who is also Chairman of the APEC National Committee, said the committee will do its utmost to ensure the pace and quality of preparations.

The ninth plenary session of the APEC National Committee is scheduled to take place in September 2017.

Việt Nam is hosting the APEC Year 2017 under the theme “Creating new dynamism, fostering a shared future.” The country has selected four priorities for APEC co-operation: promoting sustainable, innovative and inclusive growth; deepening regional economic integration; strengthening micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (MSMS)’s competitiveness and innovation in the digital age; and enhancing food security and sustainable agriculture in response to climate change.

Established in 1989, APEC includes Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, the US and Việt Nam. — VNS