Vietnam works towards new development stage: Deputy PM

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc made the statement while addressing the World Economic Forum (WEF) on East Asia 2015, which opened its plenary session in Jakarta, Indonesia on April 20. 

The Deputy PM added that Vietnam has also been making responsible contributions to the formation of the ASEAN Economic Community and cooperation mechanisms in the region while remaining actively involved in negotiating many major free trade agreements. 

East Asia has a number of opportunities for cooperation, but stability and development in the region face challenges caused by climate change, strategic competition, territorial disputes and security and safety of navigation and aviation. 

He highlighted that sea disputes must be solved by peaceful measures based on international law, including t he United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. 

He continued affirming that Vietnam works with other countries and partners on the principles of cooperation, honesty and mutual trust in order to build a peaceful and stable environment in the region. 

Addressing the event, Indonesian President Joko Widodo underscored the importance of cooperation among East Asian countries for prosperity in the region. 

The forum is an annual event held with the goal to increase and expand economic cooperation among countries in the region and between East Asian countries with other regions in the world.

Deputy PM Phuc also met bilaterally world leaders on the sidelines of the forum on April 20. 

Meeting Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla, the Deputy PM suggested close bilateral coordination to realise the 2014- 2018 Action Plan within the strategic partnership framework as well as prepare for the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties. 

Deputy PM Phuc meets Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla,

Both sides consented to lifting two-way trade from US$5.4 billion recorded in 2014 to US$10 billion before 2018 and settling fishermen issues at sea. 

On the same day, Deputy PM Phuc and his Russian counterpart Arkady Dvokovich agreed to step up the delivery of commitments reached during Russian PM Dmitry Medvedev’s recent Vietnam visit. 

WEF Executive Director Philipp Rosler and Deputy PM Phuc also discussed ways to promote Vietnam in WEF activities and strengthen cooperation in enhancing national competitiveness. 

In another dialogue, Deputy Secretary General of the Organisation for Economic and Cooperation Development Mari Kiviniemi agreed with the Deputy PM to use resources from the OECD’s Southeast Asia Programme for bilateral cooperative projects. 

On the evening, Phuc attended a dinner banquet hosted by Indonesian President Joko Widodo. 

On April 21, he is due to attend and deliver speeches to several key sessions of the forum.