(VOVworld) – Nha Trang city in Khanh Hoa province has been selected to host the first APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM-1) as part of APEC Year 2017. This will be a major international event and an opportunity for Nha Trang to introduce to APEC participants and international visitors the beauty of its natural landscapes, culture, and people.  

A corner of Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa. (Photo: Minh Ngoc)

As a coastal city and the center of Khanh Hoa province, Nha Trang is famous for its beautiful beaches, natural scenery, and is an ideal destination for those w ho like to explore local culture.

These advantages led to Nha Trang being chosen to host the first APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM-1) and related meetings scheduled to run until Friday. This will be the opening activity of the 2017 APEC Year in Vietnam.

SOM1 will comprise 56 meetings, seminars, and dialogues attended by 2,500 delegates from 21 member economies.
Nguyen Duy Bac, Deputy Chairman of the Khanh Hoa provincial People’s Committee, says: “This is an opportunity to promote the image of the Vietnamese nation, its people, and the economic potential and strengths of Khanh Hoa province to 21 major economies. Khanh Hoa has asked the APEC Secretariat to help us organize bilateral meetings with other economies on this occasion.”    

Numerous activities will be held during SOM-1 to introduce the culture and natural beauty of Khanh Hoa and surrounding provinces.

Vinpearl Nha Trang Resort. (Photo: VOV)

Photo exhibits of scenic spots in Khanh Hoa and neighboring provinces will be on display at 5 hotels hosting meetings. At banquets, participants will enjoy art performances by the Hai Dang Singing and Dancing Ensemble, who showcase the traditional musical instruments and melodies of Vietnam’s three regions.

APEC delegates will visit tourist attractions like craft villages and Nha Trang Bay, one of the 20 most beautiful bays in the world, and go shopping for local specialties.

Known as the home of aloeswood, Khanh Hoa has selected fans made of aloe wood as souvenirs for the APEC delegates.

The coastal city of Nha Trang has been chosen to host the first APEC SOM-1 and related meetings scheduled to run until March 3. (Photo: VOV)

Nguyen Van Tuong, Director of the Khanh Hoa Aloeswood Company, says: “With deftness, our artisans have created aloeswood fans which not only are an essential daily utensil of Vietnamese people, but also look like an artistic work through which to show the hospitality of the locals.”  

Tour guide Thu Huong said: “This is a really good opportunity to lure more visitors to the province’s strengths - natural scenic spots and stunning beaches. This event will encourage tourists to do some sightseeing and experience Vietnam’s fascinating culture.”