The Gala Dinner started with the screening of a 21-minute film introducing cultural festivals of APEC member economies, followed by President Nguyen Minh Triet's speech to welcome nearly 1,000 guests to the banquet.

"Our people, since time immemorial, have always treasured friendship with countries and loyalty to friends. Today, this tradition is manifested in our consistent policy aimed at making 'Vietnam is a friend and reliable partner of all countries in the international community'. I hope that during the 14th APEC meeting you will have an opportunity to better understand our land and people, as well as our great potential and strong determination to continue the reform and integration process. It is also my hope that you would experience the warm feelings, affability and hospitality of the Vietnamese people," the President said.

The guests enjoyed dishes of typical Vietnamese flavour while about 300 artists were performing traditional music, ethnic dances, traditional musical instruments and a court dance.

The performance was followed by symphonies of W.A. Mozart, J. Strauss and J. Braham, and a symphony by Vietnamese composer Nguyen Van Thuong.