To Lam to Attend 33rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Week in Shenzhen, Hold Bilateral Engagements in China
Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam, accompanied by his spouse and a high-level Vietnamese delegation, will attend the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Week in Shenzhen and hold bilateral engagements in China from November 17 to 20. The To Lam APEC visit underscores Vietnam’s growing role in Asia-Pacific economic diplomacy as the country prepares to take over as APEC host in 2027.
The trip will be made at the invitation of General Secretary of the Communist Party of China and President Xi Jinping and his spouse, according to a communique issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam.
APEC 2026 Theme: Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together
Under the theme “Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together,” the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting will bring together leaders of the forum’s member economies to discuss regional cooperation and shared development priorities. China is hosting APEC in 2026, with Shenzhen serving as the venue for the leaders’ week.
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum brings together 21 member economies across the region and remains one of the most important platforms for dialogue on trade, investment, connectivity and inclusive economic growth.
To Lam APEC Agenda in Shenzhen
The top Vietnamese leader is expected to participate in key activities during the week, including the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting on November 19 and the ceremony marking the handover of APEC host responsibilities for 2027 to Vietnam.
On the afternoon of November 18, To Lam is also scheduled to deliver a keynote address at the APEC CEO Summit and witness the handover of the APEC CEO Summit chairmanship. The address is expected to draw the attention of business leaders and policymakers from across the region, as Vietnam presents its vision for the forum ahead of its host year.
Bilateral Engagements with China
Alongside the multilateral program, the visit will include bilateral engagements in China, reflecting the close political and economic ties between the two neighboring countries. The engagements come at the invitation of President Xi Jinping and are expected to provide an opportunity for the two sides to review cooperation and exchange views on matters of mutual interest.
Vietnam to Host APEC in 2027
Vietnam will assume the role of APEC host in 2027, offering an opportunity to further strengthen its engagement with regional economies and contribute to shaping the forum’s cooperation agenda. It will be the third time Vietnam hosts the forum, having previously hosted APEC in Hanoi in 2006 and in Da Nang in 2017.
The handover ceremony in Shenzhen will formally mark the beginning of Vietnam’s preparations for its host year, during which the country is expected to set priorities for regional cooperation and convene leaders, ministers and business representatives from across the Asia-Pacific.
