International symposium to prepare for APEC 2006 closes
(VNA): The two-day International Symposium to prepare for APEC 2006 closed in Hanoi on July 22, ushering in a series of other activities of the APEC Year in Vietnam.
During the symposium, participants discussed APEC, its opportunities and challenges it has to face, and how to add value to APEC and make it relevant and ready for the future. The discussions were expected to help Vietnam map out priorities for the APEC Year in Vietnam.
The participants agreed that APEC, which stands for Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation, has made progress over recent years, contributing to increased trade and investment in the region. They were unanimous in boosting the APEC Economic and Technical Co-operation to support member countries, particularly developing countries, and to implement commitments approved by the APEC leaders.
Regarding APEC's future, the participants shared a common view that APEC has moved closer to the Bogor Goals, yet much remains to be done; and APEC co-operation activities must be made more effective.
Participants are still deciding whether APEC should build an "Economic Community" or a "Common Community".
The participants also agreed that the themes and priorities mapped out for the 2006 APEC Summit will ensure the continuation and development of APEC, and add value to the alliance./.
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