APEC 2017: Russian expert praises Vietnam’s role in region

Moscow (VNA) – Vietnam is becoming one of the leading players in the region, said Maria Zelenkova, a research fellow at the Russian Institute of Strategic Studies in a recent analysis.

The successful hosting of the APEC 2017 Economic Leaders’ Meeting, which concluded in Vietnam today, will further promote the country’s image in the international arena, she wrote.

“Vietnam is the center of close attention on the part of the leading countries of the Asia-Pacific region,” the Russian researcher said, adding that this is due to the increasing role of the country in the international arena that is caused by a number of interrelated reasons.

Among them is Vietnam’s desire to be an active participant in regional affairs in an effort to promote economic integration, which is necessary for the country to achieve optimal growth and attract foreign investments.

Zelenkova cited the fact that Vietnam is a member of many international organisations and a participant of various integration summits and forums and the country is open for new initiatives, particularly the idea to revive the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement proposed by Japan.

She pointed out major tasks for the country are to attract foreign investment and ensuring energy and food security. “Hanoi has used its chairmanship to the maximum benefit by organising the new format of meetings – conference “Doing Business in Vietnam” with the participation of the World Bank.”

In the near future, experts expect new agreements between Vietnamese businesses and regional investors in the field of trade, infrastructure, energy, technology, she said.-VNA