APEC 2027: A strategic opportunity for Vietnam to assert its global stature

A series of preparatory measures are underway, including intensified land management in Phu Quoc, plans to expand the airport to accommodate the APEC summit, and voluntary land relinquishment by local households to facilitate these projects. Vietnam has also put forward four proposals on food security cooperation within APEC.

The meeting focused on the progress of forming and consolidating subcommittees and the secretariat, establishing a work plan leading up to 2027, and evaluating infrastructure projects in host localities, particularly in Phu Quoc, the site of the APEC 2027 Leaders’ Week. The session was attended by representatives from 18 ministries, agencies, and member bodies of the National Committee for APEC 2027, with An Giang province's leadership participating remotely.

In his address, Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that hosting APEC 2027 is a critical political and diplomatic undertaking, aligning with Directive 25-CT/TW issued on August 8, 2018, by the Secretariat of the Communist Party of Vietnam on enhancing and elevating multilateral diplomacy by 2030. He described the event as a key opportunity for Vietnam to assert its strategic role and responsibility in global economic and trade affairs, helping to shape a new international economic order.

Given its significance, he stated that APEC 2027 must be a comprehensive success, from its agenda and logistics to its public relations and cultural initiatives. The goal is to leave a lasting impression of Vietnam while delivering tangible benefits to its people and businesses, thereby contributing to peace, prosperity, and sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region.

Deputy Prime Minister instructed the Secretariat to incorporate all feedback from the meeting and finalize the committee's overall work plan for 2025-2027. This will serve as a foundation for the subcommittees to develop their own work programs.

Due to the substantial workload, he urged the swift establishment and consolidation of the five subcommittees and the Secretariat by the end of August 2025. He also called for the issuance of operational regulations and the development of a detailed work plan for both 2025 and the entire 2025-2027 period by early September.

He also called for member ministries and agencies of the National Committee for APEC 2027 to actively participate in the APEC events in South Korea (2025) and China (2026). This engagement will not only show support but also allow Vietnam to promote its own interests while preparing for its host year.

For the theme and priorities of APEC 2027, the Deputy Prime Minister tasked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and the Content Subcommittee with developing early proposals. He also stressed the importance of consulting with other APEC member economies, particularly the 2025 and 2026 hosts, experts, and the domestic and international business communities.

Praising the proactive spirit of An Giang province in its APEC infrastructure projects, Deputy Prime Minister Sơn reiterated that all facilities, especially the Convention Center, must be completed three to six months ahead of schedule. He also noted that An Giang should allocate land for an APEC Park - a space for exhibiting cultural and artistic works from member economies, in line with established practice, to create a key tourist attraction for the area.

The National Committee for APEC 2027 is scheduled to hold its second meeting in early December 2025 to review progress and prepare for 2026 activities.

The 31st APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT 31) meeting took place from May 15 to May 16, 2025, in South Korea. The event was chaired by South Korean Trade Minister Inkyo Cheong, who also served as the MRT 31 Chair.

The conference brought together representatives from the 21 APEC member economies, along with key international and regional organizations. Participants included the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) and leaders from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the World Trade Organization (WTO), the ASEAN Secretariat, and the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC).