APEC economies voice high expectations for Vietnam's hosting in 2027

The expectations were voiced at the 37th APEC Ministerial Meeting, held virtually on Tuesday and co-chaired by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao.

The meeting brought together foreign and economic ministers, as well as heads of delegation, from APEC's 21 member economies.

Vietnam was represented by Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung and Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Luong Hoang Thai.

According to the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the gathering is the most important ministerial meeting of the APEC year, aimed at reviewing cooperation outcomes and preparing for the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Shenzhen, China.

Discussions centered on building an Asia-Pacific community and strengthening economic integration to support regional growth.

Amid persistent global economic uncertainty and disruptions to trade, investment, and supply chains, ministers called for closer cooperation, a stronger multilateral trading system, and an open, stable, and predictable trade and investment environment.

They also discussed advancing the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP), improving regional connectivity, and building more resilient supply chains.

Other priorities included innovation, digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), support for small- and medium-sized enterprises, workforce development, and food and energy security.

The meeting also reviewed five years of progress toward the APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040 and explored ways to improve the forum's effectiveness.

Against this backdrop, several member economies expressed interest and high expectations for Vietnam's APEC chairmanship in 2027, hoping it would build on previous achievements, advance practical initiatives, and create fresh momentum for regional economic growth.

Vietnam outlines three priorities for regional cooperation

Addressing the meeting, Minister Trung praised China's preparations and its role as APEC 2026 host.

He said the Asia-Pacific region was undergoing profound economic and technological changes, presenting both opportunities and challenges, and urged APEC to take a more proactive role in shaping the region's future.

He outlined three priorities for regional cooperation.

First, he called for a more innovative and productive Asia-Pacific through the responsible use of AI and digital technologies, stronger research and development, regional innovation networks, and workforce training.

Second, he proposed building a more open and connected region by facilitating trade in goods and services, removing supply chain bottlenecks, and strengthening infrastructure, institutional, and digital connectivity.

Third, he emphasized the need for a more resilient and dynamic region through closer cooperation on food and energy security, sustainable resource management, and coordinated responses to emerging risks and external shocks.

Looking ahead to 2027, Minister Trung reaffirmed Vietnam's commitment to working closely with other APEC economies to advance practical cooperation and build an open, dynamic, resilient, and peaceful Asia-Pacific community.