APEC SOM2: ASCC holds annual conference

Delivering the opening remarks, Deputy Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son stressed that, “Since its establishment in 1993, the ASCC has been instrumental to fostering collaboration among economic reseach institutions in the region. More than 60 study centers in the 21 APEC economies have indeed helped raise awareness and facilitate wider discussions on APEC related issues and provided significant research-based quality recommendations to member economies and APEC as a whole. It is Vietnam’s hope and expectation that the study centers will continue their research work to contribute to the process of reflection on APEC work toward 2020 and beyond.”

After the opening session, APEC Secretariat Policy Support Unit Director Denis Hew presented a report on regional trends. The report highlighted significant contribution of globalization and international trade to improving prosperity and welfare for the whole mankind over the last 50 years. However, globalization has yet to benefit all people; therefore, there should be policies regulating trade to ensure support for all laborers affected by globalization, especially most vulnerable ones.

After the opening session, the delegates discussed contents outlined in seven sessions of the conference. The contents include the analysis of global and regional contexts; indentification of new trends of the regional economy and assessment of their implications to APEC; the role of APEC in enhancing economic cooperation, prosperity and development; measures by member economies to encourage APEC’s effectiveness and relevance in the new context; APEC’s role in the accomplishment of the sustainable development goals; risk management recommendations for APEC economies; human resources and technological innovation.

* The ASCC consists of more than 60 study centers and research institutions from the 21 APEC member economies that foster research and academic discussions supporting the broader APEC mission of regional economic integration. The ASCC holds an annual conference hosted by one of the centers in the APEC host economy for the year. The annual conference provides an opportunity for academics and scholars from around the region to discuss their research and identify areas for collaboration.

The ASCC annual conference this year in Vietnam lasts for two days, May 12-13, with the participation of more than 80 delegates from APEC study centers, universities in the Asia-Pacific region, Vietnam’s and international research institutions.

Reported by Huu Duong