Locals feel the APEC energy

Dale Gerstenslager, US expat

When I first heard that Vietnam’s central city of Danang would host APEC 2017, I was strangely proud and thought that it was an exciting opportunity to showcase the remarkable progress and development that Vietnam has accomplished over the last decade.

Hosting APEC is quite a coup and one more testament of Vietnam’s importance and growing stature on the world stage. Let’s pull together and show the world what’s being done in Vietnam.

I think it is chance to develop relationships that will build trust.

Kozaburo Yazawa, Japanese expat

Since the media multitude represents the world, it is a big opportunity for people to learn the name of Danang. It is also great that the President of the United States will come. This should lead to investment from more member economies – and more tourists.

APEC is similar to the Olympics and Expo. As the Government had to arrange the international conference, public works projects increased. After APEC is over, many foreigners will visit after learning about Danang.

However, regarding the construction of hotels, it is a matter of oversupply I feel. I expect that the value of real estate will fall a little after APEC. Many rules were changed for APEC. I could not get a construction licence for a restaurant on the main street for a long time.

There are many problems, but that is due to the development of Danang, not a negative thing I suppose. As Japan’s Prime Minister Abe will also visit APEC, I hope it leads to more Japanese visitors and investment.

Victor Ceano, candy maker, Spain

I think that an event like APEC, apart from helping to put Danang in the map, will generate a psychological push for the local economy.

At the end of the day, it is possible that the direct influence on the local economy will not be enormous, but it is clear to me that the momentum that it will generate will be highly positive.

I found Pop Keo, a sweets and chocolate company in Danang last year using Ben Tre chocolate and Quang Tri honey. Thanks to the event, some embassies and companies will order chocolates and sweets from me as gifts for their contacts.

Nguyen Thi Kim, 58

I feel APEC is a strange event for local people. Pavements have been newly tiled and sign boards promote the event at busy traffic roundabouts and road crossings.

I manage a coastal three-star hotel, but it’s still quiet in the low season-as usual. APEC’s delegates may stay at four and five-star hotels and resorts, but not two and three-star hotels.

APEC may be a major event for the city’s administration, but not really many local people. The city hosts the event, but main preparations are covered by central governments and agencies in cooperation with local departments.

I have some hope APEC will lead to economic and tourism growth in the city.

Nguyen Xuan Binh, 41

I really hope APEC will help boost Danang City’s economic growth. It will not happen in a few weeks or months after APEC, but the city will become known worldwide when its name is repeated at business forums and in APEC member economies.

APEC is a big opportunity for Danang as business people, CEOs and journalists from 21 member economies attend. The preparation of the city will be highly appreciated by officials, businesses and tourists.

The many destinations available through Danang-and its pristine white beaches-will be remembered by participants, while the hospitality of residents, volunteers, restaurant and hotel owners will boost the tourism brand of the city. The city also launched the Danang Smile campaign during APEC to promote good manners.

APEC will be really a field trip in exploring the investment opportunities and potential of Danang and central Vietnam. It’s also a big chance for industries such as tourism, hi-tech, property, green tech and services seeking partners.

I think the impact of APEC on Danang’s economic growth will come several years after APEC as foreign businesses learn of the city’s investment environment and priority policies.

Le Thi Thuy An, accountant

The APEC Summit provides a good chance for people to get to know Danang, the most vibrant city in the country. The event is also helpful for local businesses serving delegates from 21 member economies.

The city’s leadership is shifting from old to new. And I think APEC held in the city offers a great chance for city authorities to have an overview on both achievements and shortcomings.

Furthermore, I overheard that the summit will make decisions over discussions by APEC forums in Hue on women and women-owned businesses.

I believe APEC leaders will agree on policies that pave the way for greater contribution of women in economic development.