With the theme ‘Development-Centred Globalization: Towards inclusive and sustainable growth and development’, UNCTAD 13 attracted more than 5,000 representatives from 194 member countries. The UN and international organisations such the G77, China , the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the World Bank (WB), and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) were also present.

Speaking during the conference, Nga emphasised the need to reform the structure of global economic administrations as well as national-level economic restructuring to lay the foundations for sustainable development.

She called for the removal of trade protection measures which have a negative impact on the world’s economic recovery.

The head of the Vietnamese delegation praised UNCTAD’s role in trade and development issues. She also stated that it should expand its role when addressing development challenges, boost global partnerships and assist developing countries to access capital sources, different markets and in the transfer of technologies, especially green technologies that combat climate change.

Nga told the international audience about Viet Nam’s achievements in socio-economic development, particularly in poverty reduction and in implementing its millennium development goals (MDGs).

She highlighted the country’s efforts to maintain macroeconomic stability, ensure social welfare, introduce new models of growth and step up economic restructuring to make Vietnam an industrialised country by 2020.

The Vietnamese Deputy Minister also stressed on the importance of South-South cooperation and discussed Viet Nam’s experiences when using tri-party cooperation, especially in agricultural, health and educational with African countries such as Angola, Mozambique and Benin.

UNCTAD 13 focused on discussing new opportunities for economic growth and social equality, to create the right conditions for inclusive and sustainable development. Also high on the agenda was the need to strengthen cooperation forms and trade partnerships as well as addressing emerging development challenges.

The conference adopted the “Doha Mandate” and the Doha Manar underlining that UNCTAD member countries are committed to trade and global investment to promote economic growth and sustainable development.