Who are the 4 leaders attending the APEC Summit for the first time?

(Baonghean.vn) - Most leaders of the economies have attended the APEC Conference many times. But the 2017 APEC Conference in Da Nang has 4 leaders attending for the first time.

1. US President Donald Trump

From November 10 to 11, US President Donald Trump attended the APEC Summit and paid an official visit to Vietnam. Photo: AFP

Today (November 10), US President Donald Trump will arrive in Da Nang to attend APEC. Mr. Trump’s appearance at APEC is considered a timely and correct move in terms of economics and strategy, clearly demonstrating the US’ commitment to Asia.

Mr Trump’s appearance at APEC could open up opportunities for the US to seek trade and investment deals with regional countries and businesses and ease doubts about Washington’s commitment to Asia.

Earlier, at the end of August, US Ambassador in charge of APEC Matthew J. Matthews affirmed the US commitment to free trade and highlighted APEC's role in promoting sustainable trade.

2. South Korean President Moon Jae In

Mr. Moon Jae-in speaks at a press conference in Seoul on March 12. Photo: Hani

On May 10, 2017, Mr. Moon Jae In was elected the 19th President of South Korea after a big victory in the election. After taking office, President Moon sent special envoy Mr. Park Won Soon to visit ASEAN countries, including Vietnam.

On May 25, 2017, at a meeting with President Tran Dai Quang, Park Won Soon confirmed that President Moon Jae In will attend APEC 2017 in Vietnam. This is of great significance as 2017 marks the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and South Korea. The two countries established a strategic partnership in 2009.

Korea is one of Vietnam’s most important partners, ranking first in terms of direct investment, second in terms of non-refundable aid, and third in terms of trade relations. The two countries also aim to achieve a bilateral trade turnover of 100 billion USD by 2020.

3. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Photo: AFP

Ms. Jacinda Ardern, 37 years old, just became New Zealand's youngest female prime minister at the end of October, today will attend APEC in Vietnam, where she will have the opportunity to meet other leaders for the first time.

For Prime Minister Ardern, the APEC summit in Vietnam is the moment to decide the fate of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement, which now has only 11 countries left (TPP-11).

New Zealand and Japan are aiming to implement the TPP without much renegotiation – with the hope of leaving the door open for the US to return. According to the New Zealand prime minister, even without the US “we can still have a trade agreement that includes the Japanese economy and can continue to promote trade in the region”.

4. Chief Executive of Hong Kong Carrie Lam

Chief Executive of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Carrie Lam. Photo: AFP.

On July 1, 2017, Ms. Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor became the 4th Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (China) thanks to significant support from the Beijing government. She became the first woman to lead this special administrative region since 20 years after Hong Kong was returned to China.

Hong Kong has been a member of APEC since 1991. The value of trade between Hong Kong and APEC member economies accounts for 80% of Hong Kong's foreign trade.

The major achievement of APEC participation is to demonstrate the typical success of implementing "One Country, Two Systems", recognizing Hong Kong's self-determination in foreign trade and economic affairs.

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