Vietnam is a typical illustrative example of a growing economy and dynamic development of the Asian economies, said the Head of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Asia, Sushant Palakurthi Rao.
The 19th World Economic Forum on East Asia hosted by Vietnam and the WEF opened in HCM City on June 6, bringing together 450 senior government leaders, the world leading businesspeople, scholars and Vietnamese and foreign reporters.
Deputy Foreign Minister Doan Xuan Hung granted an interview to the media on the occasion.
Reporter: Could you please tell us about the host country's preparations for the big event?
Mr Hung: The 19th WEF on East Asia is actually hosted by the WEF while Vietnam was only chosen as a venue for regional leaders and entrepreneurs to compare notes on regional and international issues. The WEF is significantly different from the conferences hosted by Vietnam previously such as ASEAN and APEC. The contents and topics have mostly been set up by the WEF and Vietnam is offering a location for it to take pace. However, the Vietnamese Government has made thorough preparations for the event to make it a great success. Vietnam has set up a National Steering Committee headed by Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai with the aim of creating favorable conditions for the WEF to organise this event successfully.
Reporter: Why was Vietnam selected to organise the 2010 WEF on East Asia but not other nations?
Mr Hung: The WEF is a prestigious global forum and it operates effectively, drawing the attention of most leaders from powerful countries and international organisations as well the world's top groups and companies.
The most important conference of the WEF is the annual forum to be held in January and February in Davos, Switzerland.
Apart from the Davos Conference, the WEF annually organises other regional forums on East Asia, India, Latin America and the Middle East to discuss and evaluate issues related to regional development. East Asia is in focus this year, therefore, the forum is held in an Asian nation. There is no system of rotation for this. Countries are selected to be in the spotlight to discuss special topics in Asia based on their profile in the region.
The WEF has been held in Japan, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Malaysia but not all Asian nations.
In regard to why Vietnam was selected for this event, Mr Suschant said that in recent years, Vietnam has received international acclamation for its great efforts to reach an impressive economic growth rate of 5 percent, maintain socio-political stability and stabilise the macroeconomy while many other regions are still being affected by the global economic downturn.
Currently, Asia is being seen as a region which is leading the world economy to bounce back from the crisis. As a small economy, Vietnam is a typical case in point among developing regional countries, having worked out successful solutions to help its economy recover. Therefore, Vietnam is considered to be an ideal destination for regional and international leaders and businesses to share their ideas about a future Asia and the growth of an East Asia and to find solutions for the regional and global economies.
Having attended many international conferences, I have been able to see how Vietnam has won the favour of many people who admire the country and want to visit here. I am very happy and proud of that.
Vietnam has actively taken part in building the regional and international process by successfully organising conferences of the APEC and ASEAN 16, joining the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and getting involved in the United Nations Security Council which has positively contributed to the global process.
Currently, Vietnam is internationally seen as one of the successful models of international integration, having benefited its development despite being a poor and developing country. As ASEAN Chair, Vietnam is regarded as an ideal venue for the WEF to discuss regional issues.
Despite being a poor country, Vietnam still has 12 businesses and groups that are WEF members - much higher than the number for other regional countries. They play an active role in helping international businesses to keep up-to-date with the country’s development.
Many Vietnamese leaders have actively participated in regional and international forums including the WEF to seek cooperation opportunities with foreign partners.
This year is a pivotal year for Vietnam with the organisation of this great event which will add fresh impetus to boosting the country’s socio-economic development.
Reporter: What is Vietnam’s role in organising the 19th WEF on East Asia?
Mr Hung: This year’s forum aims to exchange views on issues related to socio-economic development, anti-corruption and development of young businesses in the next ten or 20 years.
Different from the previous conferences, at the 19th WEF, Vietnam has arranged agendas and put forth topics that concern the country and has proposed good ideas acknowledged by the WEF. Vietnamese leaders and businesspeople have taken part in the WEF sessions, demonstrating Vietnam’s important role in this forum.
The forum provided an excellent opportunity for Vietnam to share its views on economic issues in the region and the world to define the future of Asia and difficulties and challenges facing the world economy.
Vietnam has become well-known internationally but many people have yet to visit the country. Therefore, the forum is a good chance for them to witness Vietnam’s fast development and drastic changes, enabling them to get a better understanding of the country and more actively engage in the cooperation process. As a result, Vietnam’s role and status will be raised, offering a wealth of business and investment opportunities. Through the forum, Vietnam can call for more foreign investment and its businesses will be able to learn more experience from other countries around the world. Benefits from the major conferences held by Vietnam are immeasurable.
This year, Vietnam is preparing the national Party congress to set new orientations for socio-economic development in the next few years. I hope that this significant event will be of much benefit to Vietnam.
Reporter: Thank you very much.