APEC puts global economy into new stage of growth 
APEC needs to continue efforts to solve aftermaths from the global economic-financial crisis and put the world economy into a new stage of growth, said State President Nguyen Minh Triet.

In his speech at the first closed-door session of the 18 th APEC Summit in Yokohama, Japan, on Nov. 13, President Triet stressed that the Asia-Pacific region, particularly East Asia, continues to be a motive force for the global economic recovery and growth.

He pointed out increasing cooperation and joint efforts of the international community as an urgent demand.

According to the Vietnamese President, in the new growth strategy, economic development needs to be associated with social development and environmental protection, focusing on the human.

He urged APEC to boost cooperation to narrow the development gap among members through economics-trade-investment connectivity, technology transfer, human resource training, infrastructure development and apparatus reform, linking the new growth strategy to the implementation of millennium development goals (MDGs) and cooperation programmes of members at sub-regional and regional levels.

As Chair of ASEAN 2010, President Triet highlighted ASEAN achievements and contributions to promoting sustainable growth.

At the first closed-door session, leaders from 21 Pacific Rim economies agreed to join hands in building the “APEC growth strategy” and support to increase the global joint effort and as well as the global economic coordinating role of the Group 20.

Earlier, the APEC leaders focused their discussions on economic development of the world and the region, cooperation in policies among APEC member economies at the opening of the 18th APEC Leaders’ Meeting.

On the sidelines of the summit, President Triet met with Peruvian President Alan Garcia Perez and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper. They discussed measures to promote bilateral ties, international and regional issues of common concern as well as how to increase cooperation between Vietnam and Peru, and Vietnam and Canada at international fora, including APEC.

Peruvian President Alan Garcia Perez and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper spoke highly of strong growth and achievements Vietnam recorded in the implementation of MDGs, as well as the country’s success in its capacity as Chair of ASEAN 2010.

The Peruvian and Canadian leaders stressed Vietnam’s international position and agreed to deepen cooperation and partnership with Vietnam, particularly in economics, trade and investment.

East Sea issues scrutinised at int’l workshop  
All East Sea issues have been analysed and discussed at the second international workshop on cooperation on the East Sea that closed in Ho Chi Minh City on November 12.

The two-day workshop themed, “East Sea: Cooperation for Regional Security and Development” drew 66 scholars and researchers from 24 countries and territories as well as representatives of domestic ministries and agencies and diplomatic corps in Vietnam.

It focused on the importance of the East Sea in the context of changing strategic environments, recent developments in the East Sea, and international legal issues around disputes in the East Sea.

It also touched upon experiences and propensity for dispute settlement and conflict management in the East Sea, trust-building measures and methods to promote regional cooperation as well as cooperation in specific areas of the East Sea.

Prof. Dr Duong Van Quang, President of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, affirmed that the workshop has successfully concluded in the spirit of respect and ensuring objective, honest and constructive debate.

At the workshop, scholars put forward a number of solutions to manage and control, as well as settle disputes at the East Sea.

General Daniel Shaeffer, member of France’s Think Tank Asie21 Agency, suggested bringing disputes to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea or International Court of Justice in cases where no progress is made among parties in dispute.

Meanwhile, Prof. Stein Tonnesson from Norway’s International Peace Research Institute, emphasized the necessity to respect legal tools as a durable solution.

The participants emphasized the need to build confidence among concerned parties in the settlement of disputes and conflicts in the East Sea.

Dialogue is necessary, said Quang, saying that transparency in policies and viewpoints and goodwill are prerequisite conditions to seek an equal and long-lasting solution.

Prof. Hasjim Djalal, Director of Indonesia’s Southeast Asia Research Centre, recommended connectivity among regional centres on East Sea research to promote cooperation activities.

He took the occasion to commend Vietnam and China on their active organization of a series of seminars on controlling conflicts on the East Sea and calling other ASEAN nations for their active participation.

President Triet stresses ASEAN growth role  
State President Nguyen Minh Triet has described ASEAN as an important partner of countries and organizations in the region and the world as a whole.

Triet was one of only five speakers at a two-day Summit of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC) Chief Executive Officers (APEC CEO Summit-2010) opening in Yokohama city of Japan on November 12.

He said to 500 CEOs of corporations from 21 APEC member economies that the ASEAN has emerged as an integral political-economic bloc and a successful and dynamic organization.
The road for ASEAN growth has stepped up the Asian-Pacific alliance, said the State President of Vietnam, which holds the ASEAN presidency in 2010, emphasizing that ASEAN has acted with momentum to speed up trade and investment liberation in Asia and the Pacific.

He recalled some landmark time frameworks, including 1992, when ASEAN decided to establish an ASEAN Free Trade Area; this was also the time APEC approved the Bogor targets, and 2003, when ASEAN agreed to build an ASEAN Economic Community was also the time an idea to build an Asia-Pacific Free Trade Area sparked.

A series of commitments to key joint economic programmes for an ASEAN Economic Community as well as an initiative on ASEAN alliance have gradually been translated into reality, developing an over 600 million-strong market into an economic metropolis of the region.

ASEAN has also established a network of an ASEAN Free Trade Area plus one with China , Japan , the Republic of Korea , India , Australia and New Zealand .

Relations between ASEAN and other major partners such as the US, Russia, the EU, Canada and members of the East Asia-Latin American Cooperation Forum have also constantly been strengthened.

2010 was a turning point in the ASEAN-plus one framework as the grouping signed a series of free trade agreements with partners. The 17th ASEAN Summit which recently ended in Hanoi passed an overall plan on ASEAN connectivity, calling for strong connectivity in terms of infrastructure, policies and people within the bloc as well as with the entire East Asia.   
In order to cope with threats of slowdown, inequality and an at-risk rally of the global economy, Triet called on leading economic groups to be in the vanguard of helping member economies, especially developing ones, to build green, sustainable and knowledge-based economies.

This should be done through transfer of technology, establishing new production methods that save energy and natural resources and are friendly to the environment, said the Vietnamese leader.

He also called on regional giants to work with ASEAN in speeding up the roadmap towards an ASEAN Community by 2015.

In regards to Vietnam ’s development, Triet pointed to the nation’s economic growth average of between 7 and 8 percent in each of the past 25 years while its foreign trade revenues increased between 15 and 20 percent.

He attributed these achievements partially to the country’s great efforts for regional and global integration, citing programmes of cooperation between Mekong-ASEAN, ASEAN and partners, the East Asia Summit, APEC, Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) and the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

The State President expressed a wish that regional economic groups would promote cooperation with and assistance for Vietnam in three major areas, namely infrastructure, human resource development and institutional reforms.

He reiterated the State’s commitment to generating all favourable available conditions for foreign businesses and investors to become successful in Vietnam .

Triet took this opportunity to announce Vietnam’s decision to join negotiations on an agreement on Trans-Pacific strategic economic Partnership (TPP) as a full member.

Vietnam is prepared to kick off negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement with EU, concluded the State President.

PM Dung meets Singaporean, ASEAN leaders  
Vietnam ’s Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung on Nov. 12 met with his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong and ASEAN Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan prior to the plenary session of the G20 Summit.

The meeting was aimed at sharing information and seeking consensus between Vietnam , Singapore and the ASEAN Secretariat on the bloc’s participation and initiatives at the G20 Summit and stepping up bilateral cooperation between the two groups as well.

As Chair of ASEAN 2010, PM Dung said that Vietnam has worked together with other ASEAN member nations to draft documents regarding the bloc’s common viewpoints on the summit’s agenda as well as Vietnam ’s proposals to be discussed at the summit, including the suggestion for the formalisation of G20’s invitation to the ASEAN Chair to attend G20 summits.

These documents also cover the ASEAN’s recommendations related to the global economy, world trade, reforms of international financial institutions, sustainable development, climate change and the protection of maritime ecological environment.

Mr. Dung stressed that the G20 Summit’s agenda should focus on assistance to not only underdeveloped and low-income countries but also developing nations, including ASEAN members, to help them avoid falling into the “middle-income trap” or relapse into the group of low-income states due to changes of the regional and world economies.

Both Lee and Pitsuwan applauded and affirmed their support for Vietnam ’s initiatives and proposals, saying Vietnam has showed its active role as Chair of ASEAN at this important forum.

The G20 summit in Seoul, the Republic of Korea, has focused on issues related to trade imbalance and monetary policies.

Giving a boost to ASEAN-G20 cooperation  
The G20 agenda should be focused not only on underdeveloped and low-income countries but also on developed countries, including ASEAN member countries.

This remark was made by Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung while meeting with his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong, and ASEAN Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan in Seoul on November 12 prior to the plenary session of the G20 Summit.

The meeting was held under Vietnam’s initiative to share information and views between Vietnam, Singapore, and the ASEAN Secretariat on ASEAN’s participation and an initiative adopted at the G20 Summit to promote cooperation between the bloc and G20.

As ASEAN Chair 2010, PM Dung said Vietnam has coordinated with ASEAN countries in making ASEAN’s common views documented in the G20 Summit’s contents, proposals, and initiatives, including a proposal to institutionalize the invitation of the ASEAN Chair to attend G20 summits.

ASEAN also made proposals on the global economy, global trade, reform of international institutions, sustainable development, climate change, and the protection of the marine ecological environment.

Singaporean PM Lee Hsien Loong and ASEAN Secretary General Surin Pitsuwan supported Vietnam’s initiatives and proposals and praised the country, in its capacity as ASEAN Chair 2010 for performing its proactive role at this important forum.

Comprehensive Vietnam-Italy ties boosted  
Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung met his Italian counterpart Silvio Berlusconi on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Seoul on November 11 to discuss measures to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

The two prime ministers expressed pleasure at the positive developments in the two countries’ cooperative ties, especially in politics and high-level delegation exchange.

They acknowledged that there remains much potential for developing Vietnam-Italy relations of cooperation in the fields of economics, trade and investment, especially in developing infrastructure, education, health care, light industry and media.

PM Dung stressed that Vietnam attaches great importance to promoting comprehensive ties with Italy and said he highly valued the efficiency of Italian-invested projects in Vietnam. Mr Dung proposed Italy continue providing ODA for Vietnam, with priority given to environment, health care and small- and medium-sized enterprises.

The PM expressed the wish that Italy will continue to assist underdeveloped and developing countries to achieve the status of average-income countries and the Millennium Development Goals on schedule.

Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Sivio Berlusconi said he highly respected the Vietnamese economy for its positive and dynamic development in the region and affirmed that his country gives a high priority to multi-faceted cooperation with Vietnam. He said an increasing number of Italian businesses are seeking opportunities for investment in Vietnam.

Regarding international issues of mutual concern, PM Dung confirmed that Vietnam is willing to serve as a bridge between Italy and Southeast Asia, while PM Berlusconi affirmed his support for Vietnam to develop its ties with the EU and European countries.

President welcomes Japan-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarian Federation  
During the agenda of the 18th APEC, President Nguyen Minh Triet held a reception for representatives from the Japan- Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarian Federation (JVFPF) in Yokohama, Japan on November 12.

At the reception, President of the Japan- Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarian Federation (JVFPF), Tsutomu Takebe, congratulated State President Triet and his entourage on the participation in the 18th Asia - Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, contributing to strengthening friendship and the strategic partnership between Vietnam and Japan.

Mr Takebe emphasized that Japan highlighted the role of Vietnam in the Asian region and within ASEAN and congratulated Vietnam on carrying out the role of ASEAN President 2010 successfully, marking an important milestone in building the ASEAN community as well as strengthening relations between ASEAN and partners including Japan.

Mr Takebe also affirmed that the Japanese Diet, Government, and people attach importance to expanding relations with Vietnam in all fields. Both countries have great potential to cooperate in large-scale projects and Japan is willing to support Vietnam to develop its hi-tech industry, build infrastructure and develop the energy industry.

State President Triet expressed delight at the fine Vietnam-Japan relationship in terms of politics, economics, and culture. Especially, during a recent visit by Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan, both nations agreed on the construction of nuclear power plants in Vietnam, which is of great importance to bring the strategic partnership to a new height.

President Triet also highlighted Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) for Vietnam, and helped Vietnam overcome difficulties due to the impact of the economic crisis. He also thanked the Japanese Diet, Government, and people who have always provided valuable support to Vietnam, reflecting friendship and mutual trust between the two nations.

The same day, State President Triet received President and General Director of Mitsubishi Trading, Kobayashi Ken. He also called on Japanese businesses to further invest in Vietnam, especially in the fields of energy, transport and the environment.

Mr Ken said that after 20 years of investing in Vietnam in the fields of infrastructure, electricity, chemical, garments and textiles, automobile assembly, Mitsubishi Trading realized that Vietnam is a safe investment destination which can make greater profits.

He added that the group will speed up the implementation of power projects in Vung Ang, the central province of Ha Tinh and Vinh Tan in the southern province of Binh Thuan. He also plans to invest in other fields such as waste water treatment, and solar energy to promote economic relations between the nations.

President Triet busy in Yokohama

President Nguyen Minh Triet received representatives from the Japan-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians Federation (JVFPF) in Yokohama on Nov. 12 as part of his activities in Japan for the 18th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting.

State President Triet expressed delight at the fine Vietnam-Japan relationship in terms of politics, economics, and culture. Especially, during a recent visit by Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan , both nations agreed on cooperation in rare earth exploration and exploitation, and nuclear power plant construction in Vietnam , which are of great importance to bring the strategic partnership between the two sides to a new height.

Recognising Japan as Vietnam ’s important partner, he appreciated the country’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) for Vietnam , contributing to helping the Southeast Asian eradicate hunger and reduce poverty.

He thanked the Japanese Diet, Government, and people for their valuable support to Vietnam , reflecting friendship and mutual trust between the two countries.

The President said he hoped for further contributions by JVFPF members to promoting cooperation between the two countries in general and the two parliaments in particular.

JVFPF President Tsutomu Takebe congratulated State President Triet and his entourage on their participation in the 18th Asia - Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit a contribution to enhancing the regional economic linkage and strengthening the friendship and strategic partnership between Vietnam and Japan .

Takebe emphasised that Japan highly valued the role of Vietnam in the East Asian region and within ASEAN and congratulated Vietnam on its successful performance of the role of ASEAN President in 2010, marking an important milestone in building the ASEAN community as well as strengthening relations between ASEAN and its partners, including Japan.

The Japanese Diet, Government, and people attach importance to expanding relations with Vietnam in all fields, Takebe said.

Both countries have great potential to cooperate in large-scale projects and Japan is willing to support Vietnam to develop hi-tech industry, build infrastructure and develop the energy industry, he added.
The same day, President Triet met leaders of Japan ’s Mitsubishi Corporation and JGC Corporation, two Japanese economic giants operating in oil and gas, chemical and energy in Vietnam .

President Triet called on Japan’s economic groups to further invest in Vietnam, particularly in energy, transport, environment and infrastructure – the areas Vietnam needs assistance in for its socio-economic development cause.

Mitsubishi Corporation President and General Director Kobayashi Ken and JGC President Yoshihiro Shigehisa affirmed their commitment to continue expanding operations in Vietnam , and their wish to further contribute to Vietnam ’s economic development.

The two Japanese economic leaders spoke highly of Vietnam ’s investment environment.

Mitsubishi has invested in the fields of infrastructure, electricity, chemical, garments and textiles, automobile assembly, clean water treatment and solar energy in Vietnam since 1991.

Mitsubishi is speeding up the implementation of a power project in Vung Ang, the central province of Ha Tinh and showing interest in another power project in Vinh Tan in the southern province of Binh Thuan .

With strength in oil and gas design, JGC is a contractor in the Dung Quat oil refinery project and currently tendering for construction of the Nghi Son oil refinery.

Later that day, President Triet met with US businesses from the US-APEC Business Council, led by Chairman Alexander Feldman, including major groups investing and operating in oil and gas, energy, media, telecommunications, clean water treatment and cooking import-export in Vietnam.

The State President said Vietnam appreciated US business contributions to Vietnam-US ties over the past 15 years, particularly in economic cooperation, trade and investment, adding that in 2009 US investment in Vietnam rose sharply, reflecting the two sides’ aspirations to promote cooperation for development.

The President gave assurances that Vietnam would ease obstacles for investors. The country is determined to improve its legal system and investment environment to attract more foreign investors, including US businesses, he said.

PV