A discussion of the Vietnam Business Summit in Da Nang city on November 7, part of the APEC 2017 Economic Leaders' Week (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – APEC plays a key role in trade liberalisation and facilitation and should maintain its position by stepping up measures to implement the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific, said Paulina Nazal, Director General of International Economic Affairs at Chile’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In an interview with Vietnam News Agency, the Chilean official noted that Chile hopes that the APEC 2017 Economic Leaders’ Week will send a clear signal of APEC’s commitment to free trade and regional integration, along with support for multilateral trading.
Nazal also expressed her hope that during the week, there will be dialogues on sustainable development, challenges of the digital era, integration of micro- and medium-sized enterprises, women’s role in trade, restructuring for economic development and discussion on the APEC vision beyond 2020.
Regarding the possibility that the 11 countries participating in the Trans-Pacific Partnership will reach a new free trade agreement after the US’s withdrawal, Nazal said it will be a chance to affirm their commitment to free trade.
On the upcoming visit of Chilean President Michelle Bachelet to Vietnam, the two sides will discuss bilateral cooperation and progress of the negotiation of Vietnam - Chile free trade agreement, she stated.
As Chile will host APEC 2019, the country has closely followed major proposals and results of APEC this year, she said.-VNA
