President attends first session of APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting

In his remarks, President Nguyen said that an Asia-Pacific region of peace, stability, cooperation, prosperity, and sustainable development is a goal and a common responsibility that requires joint efforts by all APEC member economies.

He called on APEC member economies to resolve differences, increase dialogues, and coordinate actions for the sake of common interests, to protect the achievements and values obtained over the last three decades, and to reinforce the foundation for cooperation and development in the future.

"Balance" factors in cooperation

Nguyen held that Asia-Pacific has entered a new period of development and needs to take the lead in promoting the balanced, inclusive and sustainable growth model, and to assist member economies in green transition and digital transformation.

The Vietnamese leader underlined some "balance" factors in cooperation, including putting people at the center to create balance in each economy, among sectors, and among social elements, and balancing interests and responsibilities among economies and regions. The goal is common, but measures must be adapted to the characteristics and development level of each party.

He welcomed fresh initiatives suggested by APEC members to provide financial support for development, energy transition, climate change adaptation, and digital economy development, adding that APEC can only secure successful cooperation when its members together open up balanced and open opportunities for access to sources of capital and clean and modern technology.

The President took the occasion to highlight Viet Nam's policy on boosting national digital transformation and building a green and circular economy in which people are placed at the center, stakeholders, and ultimate goal of development.

Viet Nam, said Mr. Nguyen is also determined to realizing COP26 commitments and expects to seek assistance from the international community and other APEC members.  

Themed "Open. Connect. Balance", the first session of the 29^th APEC Economic leaders' Meeting focuses on three priority orientations of APEC, namely open to all opportunities, connect in all dimensions, and balance in all aspects, to promote economic growth in tandem with environmental sustainability.

This is the first in-person meeting of the APEC economic leaders since 2018 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic./.