Geneva (VNA) – Vietnam remains steadfast in supporting the central role of the United Nations in maintaining peace, promoting cooperation, and addressing global and universal challenges, including trade, investment, and inclusive and sustainable development, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed.
The PM delivered his remarks in a pre-recorded video message sent to the opening of the 16th session of the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD16) on October 20.
Firstly, the PM underscored that as the world is now at a historic turning point that demands mindset reform, deep thinking, and bold action, people must be placed at the centre, as the main stakeholder, the resource, the driving force, and the ultimate goal of development, with all policies aimed at human progress.
In the current context, he said, it is essential to base development on science – technology, innovation, and digital transformation, while environmental protection and social security must serve as the key drivers for fast yet sustainable development.
Secondly, PM Chinh emphasised that more than ever, the current circumstances call for international solidarity, multilateralism, and cooperation to foster global development. He noted today’s issues are universal, interconnected, and global, requiring a fair, transparent, and rules-based international order as a prerequisite for peace, stability, cooperation, development, and shared prosperity for all.
He urged the renewal and enhancement of trust in multilateralism, reinforcement of international cooperation, and joint efforts to promote strong and effective reforms of the multilateral trade and financial systems towards openness, fairness, inclusiveness, and mutual benefit for all nations.
Finally, the Government leader reaffirmed that Vietnam pursues a foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation and diversification of external relations, being a good friend and reliable partner of all countries, as well as a responsible member of the international community.
Held under the theme “Shaping the future: Driving economic transformation for equitable, inclusive and sustainable development”, the conference is seen as an opportunity to help reshape global trade amid rising uncertainties.
Taking place through October 23, the event, co-hosted by Switzerland and UNCTAD, gathers heads of states and governments, ministers of trade and economy, Nobel laureates, leaders of international organisations, and prominent experts for high-level dialogue on global trends and policy approaches in trade, investment, development, and the digital economy./.
