More than 20 billion USD cooperation agreements signed in one APEC week

The APEC 2017 Summit Week was a success beyond expectations, both in terms of organization and outcome. We had favorable conditions in terms of time and location, and the weather was also very supportive.

That was the affirmation of Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh at a press conference to share information and initial assessment of the APEC 2017 Summit Week in particular and APEC 2017 in general, on the afternoon of November 13.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh.

Affirming position

According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the APEC 2017 Summit Week has had the participation of senior leaders of most member economies over the past 10 years.

In 2017, Vietnam welcomed about 21,000 delegates to attend APEC conferences in Vietnam's provinces and cities, and 11,000 people to the Summit Week alone, including senior leaders, officials, more than 2,000 leading regional and international enterprises and 800 Vietnamese enterprises.

There were also leaders of international organizations and prestigious banks around the world.

"The success in both content and organization is the general assessment of participating member economies for Vietnam in its role as host economy. Through the successful organization of APEC Year 2017, Vietnam has affirmed its position," said the Deputy Prime Minister.

Leading role

According to the Deputy Prime Minister, at the APEC 2017 Summit, "we not only participate but also play a leading role in the topics and content of the conference. APEC 2017 is also an opportunity to bring bilateral relations with other countries to a new level.

The greatest success is maintaining APEC's goals in the complex context of the world and economic situation, with different trends in economic, trade, investment and new fields. At the same time, it has affirmed APEC's role as the leading international and regional economic forum.

The Deputy Prime Minister said that, as the host economy, Vietnam has succeeded in attracting the common interest of member economies with the theme "Creating new momentum to foster a shared future" and four priorities that have been of interest and supported by members: sustainable, innovative and inclusive growth; promoting deep regional economic integration; enhancing the competitiveness and innovation of micro, small and medium enterprises; enhancing food security and sustainable agriculture in response to climate change.

In addition, the initiatives put forward by Vietnam were also approved by the member economies. The priority issues raised were discussed with interest by the member economies.

Notably, the documents issued during the APEC Summit Week set the direction for the coming years, as 2017 was the most difficult year in recent years due to differences in views on protectionism and trade liberalization.

"There are still many wishes, but we are temporarily satisfied with what we have achieved. Before the APEC 2017 Summit Week took place, many countries did not think that there would be a joint statement. However, with many initiatives and efforts of the host country, we have achieved a joint statement and many accompanying appendices," said the Deputy Prime Minister.

Vietnam ranks 7th among the top 10 APEC economies in attracting investment

4 high-level visits

The 2017 APEC Summit Week is also an important occasion to elevate Vietnam's bilateral relations with other countries.

During the APEC Summit Week 2017, Vietnam received four high-level visits from major economies such as the US, China, Chile, and Canada, and held 50 high-level exchanges with other countries.

Notably, businesses and investors signed 121 agreements with regional partners, worth more than 20 billion USD.

"In the past 10 years, APEC 2017 has had the participation of the most leaders. This is also the first time that President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping attended and spoke together."

"Vietnam's position as the host country of APEC 2017 is also affirmed by the early acceptance of participation by major leaders such as President Donald Trump, President Xi Jinping, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe...", the Deputy Prime Minister added.

According to VnEconomy