Deputy PM requests quicker preparations for APEC 2017

Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh ​speaks at the fourth meeting of the National Committee for APEC 2017 (Source: baochinhphu.vn)

Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh requested speeding up preparations for hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit 2017, during the fourth meeting of the National Committee for APEC 2017 in Hanoi on April 13.

He praised sub-committees for preparatory activities in the first quarter of this year, particularly those in communication, logistics, security and health care.

As the Informal Senior Officials’ Meeting – the first activity of APEC 2017 – is eight months away; ministries, departments and cities must devise a theme, initiatives and a working agenda promptly, which will be announced later this year, he said.

A series of cultural and art events will also be lined-up.

The Deputy PM also directed ministries and agencies to work closely together and with APEC member states, especially with Peru and Papua New Guinea – the hosts of APEC 2016 and 2018, respectively, and with the APEC Secretariat to prepare well for the event.

The fifth meeting will be held in June.

VNA