APEC 2017: Action plan on Lima FTAAP Declaration continues to be debated
APEC ministers agreed to continue discussing the Action Plan to Implement the Lima Declaration on Free Trade Agreement of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) at the 29th APEC Ministerial Meeting, which concluded in the central city of Da Nang on November 9.
Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh (Photo: VNA)Da Nang (VNA) – APEC
ministers agreed to continue discussing the Action Plan to Implement the Lima
Declaration on Free Trade Agreement of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) at the 29th APEC Ministerial Meeting, which concluded in the central city of Da Nang on
November 9.
Responding to reporters’ queries at a press conference at the International Media Centre in Da Nang on the same day, Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh, Co-chair of the AMM-29, said during 2017, at many forums and cooperation frameworks, the economies studied and worked together to define basic contents and priorities to be included in the Action Plan.
However, at this meeting, the ministers decided to not adopt the plan, he said.
He explained that APEC includes 21 member economies in four different continents with different socio-economic development, and diverse priorities and concerns so the building of a specific action plan to realise the Lima Declaration on FTAAP is not simple.
“In fact, despite great efforts, there remain differences in choosing specific areas, programmes and contents to be included in the action plan,” he said.
Therefore, the APEC ministers decided to need more time for discussion on the basis of consensus on priority contents and programmes of each member. The action plan is expected be completed in 2018.
Regarding the meeting between ministers of TPP members held on the sidelines of the AMM-29, Minister Tran Tuan Anh said the event is the continuation of exchanges and working sessions between chief negotiators of TPP members in the last four consecutive negotiation rounds as well as in line with the spirit and announcements at the 29th AMM and the 23rd Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting in Hanoi last May.
The ministers of the 11 TPP members are making further efforts to maintain a high quality, balanced and suitable agreement that ensures the interests of participating countries in order to continue bringing about common benefits through trade liberalisation, market opening, integration and further reforms, he said.
With the US withdrawal, the 11 remaining members will continue making efforts to reach the deal. Obviously, in the new context, the TPP countries have a lot of issues that should be discussed to gain consensus, he added.-VNA
Responding to reporters’ queries at a press conference at the International Media Centre in Da Nang on the same day, Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh, Co-chair of the AMM-29, said during 2017, at many forums and cooperation frameworks, the economies studied and worked together to define basic contents and priorities to be included in the Action Plan.
However, at this meeting, the ministers decided to not adopt the plan, he said.
He explained that APEC includes 21 member economies in four different continents with different socio-economic development, and diverse priorities and concerns so the building of a specific action plan to realise the Lima Declaration on FTAAP is not simple.
“In fact, despite great efforts, there remain differences in choosing specific areas, programmes and contents to be included in the action plan,” he said.
Therefore, the APEC ministers decided to need more time for discussion on the basis of consensus on priority contents and programmes of each member. The action plan is expected be completed in 2018.
Regarding the meeting between ministers of TPP members held on the sidelines of the AMM-29, Minister Tran Tuan Anh said the event is the continuation of exchanges and working sessions between chief negotiators of TPP members in the last four consecutive negotiation rounds as well as in line with the spirit and announcements at the 29th AMM and the 23rd Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting in Hanoi last May.
The ministers of the 11 TPP members are making further efforts to maintain a high quality, balanced and suitable agreement that ensures the interests of participating countries in order to continue bringing about common benefits through trade liberalisation, market opening, integration and further reforms, he said.
With the US withdrawal, the 11 remaining members will continue making efforts to reach the deal. Obviously, in the new context, the TPP countries have a lot of issues that should be discussed to gain consensus, he added.-VNA
You should also see
Sun World Ba Na Hills - A fairyland in Da Nang
Ba Na Hills is a clear testament to the role of the private economy in the development of tourism in Da Nang as well as the city’s economy as a whole. Sun World Ba Na Hills was honoured in 2023 at the World Travel Awards as “Asia’s Leading Theme Park”.
See more
World
Singapore to have new Prime Minister on May 15
Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will step down and hand over leadership to Deputy PM Lawrence Wong on May 15, the Singaporean PM's Office announced on April 15.
World
Dangerous heat attacks many areas in Philippines
The heat index (HI) in nine areas of the Philippines was at “dangerous” level on April 15, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
World
18th Singapore Maritime Week opens
The 18th Singapore Maritime Week (SMW) themed “Actions meet Ambition” opened on April 15 at the Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre.
World
Malaysia sets up clean energy exchange
The Malaysian government has agreed to establish the Energy Exchange Malaysia (Enegem) to facilitate cross-border sales of green electricity to neighbouring countries.
World
Thailand promotes “soft power” through Songkran festival
The Thai government is actively promoting its "soft power" by organising the Maha Songkran World Water Festival 2024 with a series of events taking place over five consecutive days from April 11 to 15.
