APEC shows commitment to trade liberalization
VOV.VN - The Concluding Senior Officials’ Meeting (CSOM) concluded in central Da Nang City on November 7, reaching a final consensus on issues to be submitted to the 29th APEC Ministerial Meeting and the 25th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting scheduled in the coming days.
 |
In his speech at a press conference at the end of the Concluding Senior Officials’ Meeting (CSOM) on November 7, Chair of APEC 2017 Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM) Bui Thanh Son told local and foreign reporters that after one and a half day of working, CSOM also achieved a number of main outcomes including the approval of reports summarizing activities of the four APEC committees on trade and investment, economics, economic and technical cooperation.
“Trade liberalization is considered the core to APEC’s cooperation principles and a leading mechanism to boost regional links. Increasing trade protectionism has affected cooperation in the region. Trade liberalization also depends on economic development levels among APEC members. But I must say that all APEC member economies want to strengthen regional trade and investment, the driving force for them to grow," Son said.The four priorities focus on promoting sustainable, innovative and inclusive growth; deepening regional economic integration; strengthening micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises' (MSMEs) competitiveness and innovation in the digital age; and enhancing food security and sustainable agriculture in response to climate change.
 |
“The reports show positive progresses of members in the implementation of action plans and programmes of APEC, particularly in the development of human resources and education cooperation, accelerating inclusive and sustainable development, promoting women’s economic empowerment; and enabling micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises to integrate into the global market,” the APEC 2017 SOM Chair said.
“The senior officials approved the Roadmap on internet and digital economy to be reported to APEC ministers,” he said, adding that member economies hailed Vietnam’s initiative on facilitating cross-border e-commerce, and furthering members’ capability in the supply chain and fostering the supporting industry in the Asia-Pacific with the aim to maintain regional economic integration and linkage.
