Chinese professor emphasises deepening cooperation within APEC

Hanoi (VNA) – Deepening cooperation in trade and investment among APEC economies to oppose protectionism is of particular significance in today’s context, said Professor Liu Ying from Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies, Renmin University of China.

While globalisation is at a crossroads, APEC’s continued efforts to foster free trade plays a vital role in improving the business climate not only in the Asia-Pacific but also in the entire world, Liu told the Vietnam News Agency in an interview on the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting being hosted by Vietnam.

This year’s theme “Creating new dynamism, fostering a shared future” is the follow-up of the previous APEC meetings, she said, adding that at APEC Beijing 2014, member economies agreed on the Beijing Roadmap for the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) which embraces global value chain growth and promotes creativity and connectivity.

She expressed confidence that APEC Vietnam 2017 will further foster regional cooperation and help form the FTAAP. APEC can open up opportunities for cooperation between the member economies via cooperation roadmaps that will greatly benefit the region in the face of growing anti-globalisation and protectionism, she noted.

The visit of Chinese Party General Secretary and President Xi Jinping to Vietnam will boost close ties between the two countries, given the fact that Vietnam is now China’s largest trading partner in Southeast Asia. The visit will play an important role in deepening bilateral relations in politics, economy and other areas, Liu said.-VNA