APEC 2006: Image of Dynamic Vietnam

First, Vietnam will make positive contributions to the development of APEC making it more substantive and efficient. Second, by APEC, Vietnam will create an image of dynamism, hospitality and cultural identity. Third, through APEC , Vietnam will promote relations with all other members as APEC is playing a very important role in the world economy. In addition, Vietnamese enterprises will have the chance to meet foreign partners and develop business activities.

 

Trade liberalisation is a most important content of APEC. It relates to the activities of WTO and Doha. As the host country, Vietnam will help APEC to participate more actively in the process. In Doha round took place in Hong Kong last year, some initial results were attained but not yet completed. This year, APEC will focus on Doha negotiation. Though without pre-determination, APEC 2006 has certain relations to Vietnam’s accession to WTO. Although the two things are not closely associated, they have reciprocal relations. The negotiation on Vietnam’s WTO membership is proceeding very well. In addition, Vietnam has just concluded the negotiation with New Zealand. Progress has also been made recently in the bilateral talks with the United States. I hope that Vietnam as the host country to APEC will be a driving force in the process.

 

Vietnam is a less developed country among APEC members while participating as an equal partner. Though the level of development is not everything but remains important in the relationship. By developing trade and investment, co-operating in economy, science and technology with other APEC members, Vietnam can develop faster. The gap between Vietnam and other APEC members will be narrowed down.

 

APEC 2006 is the biggest international event ever organised in Vietnam with the focus on APEC Summit from November 12 to 19, 2006 in Hanoi. It is an honour and a proud moment as well as the biggest contribution by Vietnam to the development of APEC, demonstrating the ever-increasing image and prestige of Vietnam in the region and the world. With some ten thousand participants and over 100 events in 2006, the organisation of APEC 2006 is a big challenge to a developing country such as Vietnam.

 

To prepare for APEC 2006, a National Committee has been established with an important task to organise APEC 2006 with success, safety and prudence, displaying Vietnamese tradition and culture - a nation of peace, independence, freedom and hospitality.

 

Although Vietnam has a saying: “fish sauce be limited to the amount of rice”, Vietnam must apply international standards. We have been trying very hard and we can be sure of the preparation. Infrastructure, hotels, etc. in all three parts of Vietnam are in good condition. The International Centre is under active construction and will be completed on schedule. Facilities and human resources can be and will be fully prepared. All international conferences held in Vietnam were successful, APEC 2006 is bigger but will be also successful.

 

So far it has not been officially raised. But certainly there will be bilateral visits by Heads of State. It depends on the demand of concerned countries. For its part, Vietnam welcomes such visits. US President George Bush has made known that he will participate APEC meeting and pay bilateral visit to Vietnam.