10 years after hosting the APEC Forum for the first time in 2006, Vietnam has once again been chosen to host the event. Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son said APEC year 2017 poses several opportunities and challenges for Vietnam.

More opportunities than challenges

Vietnam’s prestige has increased dramatically in 30 years of renewal. Vietnam is one of APEC’s leading economies in terms of growth and connectivity. Despite a sharp decline of world trade in 2016, Vietnam achieved an export growth of 9%. The Vietnamese government is strengthen its restructuring, and replace its growth model to create a firm foundation for further integration into other APEC economies.

Through large-scale free trade agreements like the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and a Free Trade Agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union Vietnam has become an important link in an extensive economic network of 59 partners, including 18 APEC members.

Vietnam well prepared for APEC 2017

APEC Year 2017 will be the largest international event hosted by Vietnam between now and 2020. 200 activities on the theme “Creating a new driving force for a common future” will take place across 10 cities and provinces  throughout the year. Vietnam embarked on preparations for the event three years ago, Deputy Foreign Minister Son said: “Vietnam shared ideas and coordinated with the hosts of APEC in 2014 and 2015 to learn form their experience. The National Committee for APEC 2017 was established in July 2015 chaired by Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and the involvement of 24 ministries, agencies and localities. Vietnam rapidly completed preparations from selecting locations to planning the APEC Summit Week and other principal activities.”

Son said preparations for APEC year 2017 have been completed on schedule: “Our recommendations are relevant to the shared concerns of the international community, Vietnam and ASEAN. Thanks to Vietnam’s early preparation and lobby the APEC economies, our proposed themes and priorities have received strong support from APEC members”.

Promoting the image of Vietnam, its land and people

Deputy Foreign Minister Son said that Vietnam has made all necessary preparations for the event including logistics, reception, security, and health care. The official website of APEC Year 2017 was launched last November to provide necessary information. Selection of a logo for APEC Year 2017 has been completed. Press agencies have conveyed the theme to localities, enterprises, and the public through APEC-related programs. Short films and publications have been created that feature APEC Year 2017 and introduce Vietnam, its land, people, potential and business opportunities.