Vietnam supports APEC priorities on strengthening regional linkages and connectivity, especially efforts to fulfil the Bogor Goals and realise a free trade area in Asia-Pacific (FTAAP), the country’s representative said at the 27th APEC Ministerial Meeting (AMM) which opened in Manila, the Philippines on November 16.

Addressing the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh also said Vietnam backs attempts to increase the participation of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and micro enterprises in global value chains.

The AMM’s first plenary session focused on inclusive growth through enhancing economic linkages. The ministers agreed to forge connectivity of infrastructure, people and institutions, while creating more favourable conditions for SMEs and micro enterprises to involve deeper in global value chains.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh had a bilateral meeting with Australian foreign minister Julie Bishop to exchange measures to enhance the comprehensive partnership between the two countries, facilitate the trading of farm produce and fruits, and the study of Vietnamese students in Australia.

The two sides agreed on the importance of ensuring navigation safety and security and addressing any disputes via peaceful means on the basis of international law.

Minister Bishop said the Australian Government attaches great importance to relations with Vietnam and supports the country to host APEC in 2017.

At another sideline meeting, Canadian foreign minister Stephane Dion and the Vietnamese Deputy PM agreed to implement effectively the Letter of Intent signed between the two countries’ foreign ministers in 2014 on collaboration in politics, external affairs, trade-investment, education, climate change, security, and people-to-people exchanges. Minister Dion affirmed that Canada hopes to further cooperation with Vietnam across all levels.

Meeting with Singapore’s Senior Minister of State for Defence and Foreign Affairs Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, Deputy PM Minh congratulated Singapore on the general elections’ success and the establishment of a new cabinet.

The two sides discussed measures to step up the bilateral strategic partnership in economics, trade, investment, politics and external affairs with a view to optimizing opportunities brought by the formation of the ASEAN Community at the end of this year and the enforcement of signed free trade agreements, including the TPP.

Deputy PM Minh also discussed with the executive director of the APEC Secretariat and the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC) cooperation plans to prepare for the APEC Year 2017 in Vietnam.

President arrives in Manila to join APEC summit

President Truong Tan Sang arrived in Manila, the Philippines, on the morning of November 17 to take part in the 23rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting at the invitation of Philippine President Benigno Akino.

The President was welcomed at the airport by Philippine Energy Secretary Zenaida Monsada, Vietnamese Ambassador to the Philippines Truong Trieu Duong and Philippine Ambassador to Vietnam Jerril Santos, among others.

The State leader is expected to attend and deliver a speech at the sixth meeting of APEC business leaders.

He will also hold talks with the Philippine President, receive the Speaker of the Philippines’ House of Representatives and the President of the Philippines-Vietnam Friendship Association, and meet representatives from US groups in the country.

Themed “Building Inclusive Economies, Building a Better World”, the 23rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting will focus on sustainable and inclusive growth; economic connectivity; multilateral trading systems; the promotion of micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises; and the creation of a resilient, sustainable community.

The Vietnamese delegation is expected to contribute to the 23rd meeting’s key components, especially matters pertaining to economic connectivity; human resources development; food safety; and micro-, small- and medium-sized businesses.

VNA