Terrorism, natural disasters pose severe challenges to the world

According to Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh, the trend of international cooperation and connectivity continues to be strengthened, however, regional tensions, terrorism, inequality, natural disasters and cyber security are posing more severe challenges.

Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh (center) at the Foreign and Economic Ministers' Conference on November 8.

The above issue was raised by Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh - Chairman of the APEC 2017 National Committee - at the 29th Foreign and Economic Ministers' Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum on November 8, in Da Nang City.

The conference was attended by APEC Foreign Ministers, Economic Ministers, Heads of Delegations from 21 APEC member economies, and representatives of APEC observer organizations. World Trade Organization Director-General Roberto Avezedo also attended the conference as a guest.

During the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh emphasized that since the APEC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Lima last year, APEC has witnessed rapid and complex changes. The global and regional situation continues to change dramatically with many intertwined opportunities and challenges. Economic recovery is increasingly solid but the growth rate is still lower than the pre-crisis average.

The Deputy Prime Minister said that the fourth industrial revolution opens up new expectations for increased labor productivity, along with concerns about its transformational impact. The trend of international cooperation and integration continues to be strengthened. However, regional tensions, terrorism, inequality, natural disasters and cyber security are posing more severe challenges.

Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Ministers.

“Over the past year, APEC has once again affirmed its capacity to adapt, transform and lead. As the leading economic cooperation mechanism in the region, APEC continues to contribute to ensuring that the Asia-Pacific is the engine of global economic growth and integration, for the benefit of people and businesses,” said the Deputy Prime Minister.

The three objectives of the APEC Foreign and Economic Ministers’ Meeting are to review the results of APEC cooperation this year; complete preparations for the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting to take place in the next two days; and decide on directions to promote cooperation in key areas.

The Ministers and Heads of Delegation will continue discussions today (November 9).

According to Dan Tri