6 Things President Tran Dai Quang Said

President Tran Dai Quang of Viet Nam spoke at the Opening Session of APEC CEO Summit, in Da Nang. He is the Chairman of APEC 2017 and Leader of the host economy. Viet Nam joined APEC in 1996, and has since hosted the forum twice, and has worked with other member economies to develop a wide range of programs with an overarching goal to promote people- and business-centered development. 

1. On the Asia-Pacific Century

“With the determination of the business community and member economies, APEC can reach higher and go further, bringing about greater prosperity to the people in the region and materializing the prediction that the 21st century is ‘the Asia-Pacific Century’.” 

2. On why the Asia-Pacific has a bright future

“Our region is blessed with vast potentials in economics, culture, history, natural resources, particularly human resources. Hence, we have every reason to believe in a bright regional outlook. Our region is home to more than half of the world’s top 20 economies and is expected to account for 70% of the world’s GDP by 2050.” 

3. On inclusivity

“APEC needs to bolster efforts to ensure the inclusiveness of growth. We need to turn ‘economic miracles’ into ‘inclusive development miracles’ in our region and APEC should continue to play a leading role in the implementation of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.” 

4. On the role of businesses in inclusive growth

“Businesses need to place greater emphasis on social responsibility, make active contributions to building resilient and inclusive communities, ensuring food-water-energy security, infusing entrepreneurship, furthering women’s economic empowerment, and supporting MSMEs in gaining a stronger foothold in the global market.” 

5. On Viet Nam has come as an economy

“From a less developed country, Viet Nam has become a developing middle-income economy, and an important link in the network of 16 Free Trade Agreements.” 

6. On Viet Nam’s shared fate with the region

“As an economy with a high level of openness, the future of 90 million Vietnamese people is increasingly linked to the future of the Asia-Pacific. Many APEC member economies will continue to be among Viet Nam’s biggest investors and leading trade partners.”