President’s APEC 2025 trip demonstrates Vietnam’s vision for innovation

THE HANOI TIMES — The President Luong Cuong's attendence at the 32nd APEC Summit in the Republic of Korea has reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to innovation, integration and sustainable development while strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with South Korea.

Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Hang said the  APEC 2025 meetings highlighted Asia-Pacific as a dynamic engine of global growth. The Gyeongju Declaration “For a Sustainable Future” affirmed a shared commitment to an open, peaceful and resilient region aligned with the multilateral values Vietnam consistently advocates.

During the meetings at the annual gathering of 21 member economies, President Luong Cuong delivered three key messages, stressing that APEC must uphold open trade and economic connectivity amid rising protectionism and fragmentation.

He said the forum should lead in emerging fields such as digital transformation, artificial intelligence, energy transition and demographic adaptation, while calling for public–private partnerships to be leveraged to drive green growth, foster innovation and strengthen supply-chain resilience.

The president said it's needed to build reliable digital infrastructure and innovation ecosystems that ensure equal opportunities for all economies.

Vietnam reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the Putrajaya Vision 2040 and called for greater support for developing economies to close the digital divide.

On the sidelines of the summit, the president held meetings with leaders of member economies and major corporations, promoting Vietnam as a fast-emerging center of digital innovation.

He stressed Vietnam’s strategic priorities in shifting the growth model, attracting high-quality investment and developing a skilled digital workforce.

Bolstering Vietnam–South Korea relations

Apart from the multilateral agenda, the president expanded bilateral ties with South Korea.

At talks with President Lee Jae Myung, both sides agreed to advance practical cooperation in high-tech industries, innovation, trade, education and human resources to meet the bilateral trade target of  US$150 billion by 2030.

In Busan, President Luong Cuong met Mayor Park Heong Joon and called for stronger cooperation with Vietnamese localities in seaports, shipbuilding, smart cities and talent training.

Busan pledged support for the Vietnamese Consulate General and guaranteed the rights of around 14,000 Vietnamese citizens in the city.

During the visit, the president also attended “Vietnam Day in South Korea” and met the Vietnamese community in Southeast Korea.

He praised their solidarity and hard work and encouraged them to preserve their cultural identity, observe local laws and serve as a bridge of friendship between the two nations.

Vietnam’s rising role and preparations for APEC 2027

At the end of his trip, President Cuong affirmed Vietnam’s readiness to join APEC in building a digital, green and sustainable future.

He noted that hosting APEC 2027 is both a great honor and an important responsibility that reflects Vietnam’s growing international standing.

The Government of Vietnam has established a National Committee for APEC 2027 and is accelerating preparations, particularly in Phu Quoc, which will serve as the main venue for over 150 meetings and events scheduled for 2025-2027.

The plan follows a timeline of preparation in 2025, completion in 2026 and implementation in 2027.

Hosting APEC 2027 will allow Vietnam to showcase its leadership in digital transformation, green growth and deep global integration.

Ministries and localities are coordinating on content, setting priority themes and upgrading infrastructure to ensure success.

Vietnam aims to deliver an event that is impactful in both substance and organization and generates tangible benefits for people, businesses and the international community.

Many international partners have expressed strong interest in joining APEC activities in Vietnam in 2027 and praised the country’s favorable environment for cooperation and innovation.

The president’s trip has paved the way for these efforts, reinforcing Vietnam’s global profile and momentum as it prepares to host a landmark APEC year and contribute to shared prosperity in the Asia–Pacific region.

APEC is a regional forum founded in 1989 to promote economic growth, trade and investment among 21 Asia–Pacific economies, including the United States, China, Japan, Australia and Vietnam.

It operates through non-binding, consensus-based cooperation and holds annual meetings, with Leaders’ Week as the key event.

Vietnam joined in 1998, hosted APEC in 2006 and 2017, and will host again in 2027.