President Luong Cuong, alongside top leaders from the US, China, the Philippines, and Chile, as well as the Prime Ministers of New Zealand, Thailand, and Canada, and the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, attended the event as distinguished guests at this year’s summit.

Under the theme ‘‘Bridge, Business, Beyond”, this year’s summit featured over 20 discussion sessions, focusing on topics of particular interest to the business community, including the global economic outlook, challenges and opportunities amid international geopolitical shifts, digital transformation, taxation and the multilateral trading system, infrastructure and ecosystems for artificial intelligence development, cultural industries, global financial and currency markets, energy security, opportunities in nuclear and liquefied gas energy, supply chains, and public–private partnerships.

Speaking at the summit, President Luong Cuong shared his views on lessons from past industrial revolutions; the Asia–Pacific region’s responsibilities to the world; the role of the APEC business community; Vietnam’s development path in the new era; and opportunities for cooperation with Vietnam. He emphasized that the world is entering the Fourth Industrial Revolution, distinguished by unprecedented breakthroughs in artificial intelligence with rapid, far-reaching, and globally pervasive impacts.

Drawing on lessons from previous industrial revolutions, he stressed the importance of ensuring that this current revolution is guided from the outset by a spirit of cooperation, creating opportunities for all economies to participate, contribute, and realize their potential. President Luong Cuong also called on the APEC business community to act alongside governments to realize responsible artificial intelligence, promote open AI, and ensure inclusive AI development.

The Vietnamese State leader called on the APEC business community to jointly foster an open development environment where source codes, data, and algorithms are publicly shared to promote collective innovation. This will also help small and medium-sized enterprises access advanced technologies, enhance labor productivity, and in turn drive rapid and efficient economic growth.

“Technology creates real value only when all economies and social sectors, fom developed to developing, from large enterprises to start-ups, can participate and benefit. It is essential to support small and medium-sized businesses and workers in remote areas through incubation programs, knowledge transfer, and digital skills training, thereby narrowing the digital divide and promoting economic equity. If we act correctly and in a timely manner, artificial intelligence will bring enormous development opportunities to individual economies and the entire Asia-Pacific region,” He said.

He affirmed that, amid profound global upheavals, instability, and uncertainty, the Asia-Pacific region has both the capacity and the responsibility to play a pivotal role in ensuring global economic security and stability, while driving new growth through science, technology, and digital transformation. To achieve this, APEC economies need to overcome differences, seek solutions to bridge gaps, and increase common ground, enabling the Asia-Pacific to continue being a region of peace, stability, dialogue, and cooperation; a region of economic integration and connectivity; a region of knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and responsible community.

The successes achieved by the Asia-Pacific have been built on deep economic integration, trade and investment liberalization, a stable and transparent business environment, leadership in science and technology, and a strong belief in the power of unity and cooperation. These are core values that must be nurtured and strengthened to ensure the Asia-Pacific remains a driving force of global economic development.

On Vietnam’s development path in the new era, President Luong Cuong emphasized that, after nearly 40 years of pursuing the Doi Moi (Renewal) process, the country has achieved significant, historically meaningful accomplishments, laying a solid foundation for breakthrough development as it enters the new era alongside the world. These achievements include an increasingly complete legal and policy framework aligned with international standards; a dynamic, deeply integrated economy; stable political and social conditions; and an extensive network of international partners across all five continents. These results have been made possible thanks to sound policies, the tireless efforts and spirit of the Vietnamese people, and the highly valued support and cooperation of international friends.

However, Vietnam clearly recognizes that, to achieve double‑digit growth toward the goal of becoming a high‑income country by 2045, it must pursue stronger, more decisive breakthroughs to remove all barriers, resolve bottlenecks, and fully mobilize the resources and intellect of all socio‑economic sectors while transforming its development model.

In addition to advancing three strategic breakthroughs in institutions, infrastructure, and human resources, Vietnam is carrying out a series of major reforms in lawmaking and enforcement, science and technology development, innovation and digital transformation, private sector development, and the upgrading of infrastructure, particularly the energy system, and investing in human capital through education and healthcare. At the same time, Vietnam continues to boost international integration based on a decisive internal capacity, enhancing domestic strengths while leveraging external resources, shifting from a stance of “participation” to one of “proactive contribution.”

President Luong Cuong also highlighted Vietnam’s outstanding achievements in science and technology development, innovation, and digital transformation, emphasizing the promising opportunities for partners to cooperate with the country. “I greatly appreciate the theme of this year’s summit, ‘‘Bridge, Business, Beyond”.  In a world full of instability, uncertainty, disruptions, and fragmentation, Vietnam offers businesses stability, safety, and opportunities for sustainable success. By partnering with Vietnam, you will benefit from a safe and stable political and social environment; a favorable and transparent investment and business climate; a market of over 100 million people; a dynamic economy with strong growth and global connectivity; a young, abundant, and well-trained workforce; and an increasingly complete and synchronized infrastructure system. Vietnam’s doors are always open to you. We are ready to cooperate with APEC enterprises in high-potential areas such as artificial intelligence, digital technology, energy, biotechnology, and smart cities.”

President Luong Cuong’s remarks were warmly received and strongly supported by the summit. Delegates highly appreciated Vietnam’s comprehensive and balanced perspective on the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the Asia-Pacific’s crucial role in the new era, and particularly the very practical proposals regarding APEC’s development direction and public-private cooperation to build a responsible, open, and inclusive artificial intelligence ecosystem.

Businesses expressed deep admiration for the decisive, bold, and breakthrough measures Vietnam is carrying out to achieve its goal of becoming a high-income country by 2045, while voicing confidence in Vietnam’s success and enthusiasm for new opportunities to cooperate with the country in this process.

President Luong Cuong attends APEC leaders’ welcome dinner

VOV.VN - President Luong Cuong attended a special welcome dinner hosted by President of the Republic of Korea (RoK) Lee Jae Myung in the ancient capital of Gyeongju, marking the first official event for APEC leaders at the start of the 2025 Economic Leaders’ Week.

President Luong Cuong arrives in RoK for APEC Economic Leaders’ Week

VOV.VN - President Luong Cuong and a Vietnamese high-level delegation arrived at the Gimhae Air Base Gimhae in Busan, the Republic of Korea (RoK) at 2:50 p.m (local time) on October 29, to attend the 32nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Week and conduct bilateral meetings at the invitation of President Lee Jae Myung.