Vietnam Reaffirms Commitment to APEC, Highlights Preparations for Hosting APEC 2027

Moscow, The Gulf Observer: Vietnam has reaffirmed its strong commitment to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum and outlined its vision for hosting APEC 2027, emphasizing the importance of deeper regional cooperation to address emerging economic challenges and opportunities.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Lê Thị Thu Hằng presented Vietnam’s perspective during a panel discussion titled “Russia–APEC: Broad Cooperation Prospects on the Horizon until 2035” held on the sidelines of the 29th St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in Russia on June 5.

The discussion brought together senior officials and representatives from across the Asia-Pacific region, including Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin, China’s Chair of the 2026 APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) Chen Xu, APEC Secretariat Executive Director Eduardo Pedrosa, and representatives of major Russian enterprises and investment institutions.

Addressing the forum, Hằng highlighted the Asia-Pacific region’s role as a major engine of global economic growth over the past three decades, attributing its success to economic integration, open markets, trade and investment liberalization, innovation, and a strong commitment to cooperation.

She stressed that APEC should continue strengthening its position as the premier platform for economic cooperation in the region, noting its significant contributions to economic growth, connectivity and sustainable development.

Looking toward 2035, the Vietnamese official identified three key priorities for APEC: advancing free and open trade and investment, strengthening the resilience of economies and supply chains, and maximizing opportunities arising from science, technology, innovation, digital transformation and green transition to support sustainable and inclusive growth.

Hằng also called for stronger coordination between APEC and other regional and global mechanisms, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Group of Twenty (G20), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), and other international frameworks to improve effectiveness and optimize resources in addressing shared challenges.

Reaffirming Vietnam’s longstanding engagement with APEC, she noted that the country’s successful hosting of the forum in 2006 and 2017 contributed initiatives aimed at APEC reform, inclusive socio-economic development and human resource development in the digital era.

The deputy minister said Vietnam is actively mobilizing resources and intensifying preparations for hosting APEC 2027. She emphasized Hanoi’s commitment to working closely with China, which will host APEC in 2026, as well as future host economies and other member economies to advance regional cooperation, peace and prosperity.

“Vietnam looks forward to strengthening collaboration with APEC members to promote sustainable development and realize the APEC Vision for the benefit of businesses and people throughout the Asia-Pacific region,” she said.

Participants at the event welcomed Vietnam’s vision, active engagement and preparations for APEC 2027, expressing confidence that the country would continue to play a constructive role in promoting dialogue, economic integration and regional cooperation.

They also highlighted Vietnam’s dynamic economic development and growing potential as a partner in investment, trade and financial services, underscoring its increasing importance within the Asia-Pacific economic landscape.