Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc answers questions raised by enterprises at the Vietnam Business Summit 2017. (Photo: VNA)

The PM called Vietnam’s joining the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum on November 15, 1998 a milestone in the country’s comprehensive development, laying the foundation for Vietnam’s dynamic and proactive international integration.

He emphasized that reforms to better tap internal resources will be the most important factor in national prosperity. Given globalization and the fourth industrial revolution, the Vietnamese Government, an enabling government, vows to introduce flexible management mechanisms, promote transparent market access, advanced labor standards, legitimate business interests, and unceasing innovation. Mr. Phuc said implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the COP-21 Paris Agreement on limiting emissions and protecting the environment will be both metrics and drivers of development in the coming decades.

According to PM Phuc, APEC needs to build an identity of its own and a mechanism for reaching unanimity of its members. All APEC members need to work together to establish a unity in diversity that is constructive, equitable, mutually beneficial, and in line with international law.

He added that a united, peaceful, prosperous Asia-Pacific for sustainable development needs to be the common goal and responsibility, and that will require the united effort of all APEC economies, large or small, developed or developing, on the Pacific Rim.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc expressed his hope that the economic leaders of the 21 APEC member economies will find the best solutions to create a new dynamism and foster a shared future together.