Over more than 35 years of development, APEC has affirmed its role as a leading regional economic cooperation mechanism, taking the lead in promoting economic, trade, and investment liberalization in the region and the world. APEC has made important contribution to economic growth, peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the Asia-Pacific.
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State President Luong Cuong |
In recent years, APEC has continued to play an indispensable role in regional economic cooperation and governance, connecting major global economic centers, maintaining fair and stable trade and investment flows, and bringing tangible benefits to all parties, people and businesses. It has also fostered regional economic integration and connectivity. Building on this foundation, APEC 2025 is themed “Building a sustainable tomorrow,” with three key priorities namely connectivity, innovation, and prosperity.
Vietnam became an official APEC member in 1998, marking a significant milestone in the country’s foreign policy of openness, diversification, multilateralization, and international economic integration. The APEC region holds strategic importance for Vietnam’s security and development. Since its membership, Vietnam has pro-actively and constructively contributed to promoting peace, stability, cooperation, and regional economic linkages, as well as to maintaining APEC’s centrality. Notably, Vietnam is among the few members to have successfully hosted APEC twice, in 2006 and 2017.
In recent years, Vietnam - RoK relations have developed strongly, substantively, and comprehensively across various fields since the two countries elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership in December 2022. Frequent high-level exchanges, particularly the latest state visit to the RoK by Party General Secretary To Lam in August 2025, have further strengthened their political trust. The RoK remains one of Vietnam’s leading economic partners, especially in trade, investment, and development cooperation.
In that context, President Luong Cuong’s participation in the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Week and his bilateral engagements in the RoK reaffirm Vietnam’s commitment and sense of responsibility toward multilateral cooperation in general and APEC in particular. The visit also highlights Vietnam’s pro-active, responsible, and constructive role in APEC and other multilateral cooperation mechanisms in addressing regional and global challenges. It underscores Vietnam’s message as a dynamic, open, and fast-growing country eager to strengthen cooperation with APEC members.
This visit also opens up an opportunity to share Vietnam’s key policies on socio-economic development and international integration, as well as to promote cooperation, investment, and business opportunities with the international community. It also reflects Vietnam’s active preparation for hosting APEC 2027.
In addition, President Luong Cuong’s visit reflects Vietnam’s recognition and high appreciation of the RoK’s role as host country. It will help both nations further consolidate political trust, enhance comprehensive cooperation, actualize high-level commitments, and strengthen cooperation, particularly in economy, trade, investment, science and technology, defense, security, and people-to-people exchanges.
President Luong Cuong’s participation in the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Week and bilateral activities in the RoK are believed to yield positive outcomes, making important contribution to developing Vietnam’s cooperation with APEC, the RoK, and other international partners and friends in an intensive and effective manner.
By Editorial Board of the People’s Army Newspaper
Translated by Mai Huong