The 14th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM) and APEC related-activities have attracted the attention of the Vietnamese people and countries in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as politicians in France and over European countries. At the opening of an exhibition on Vietnam in the Chevilly-Larue city in the south of Paris, France recently, Mayor of the city, Christian Hervy, granted an exclusive interview with VOV reporter on the great event.
VOV: You have just finished a working visit to Vietnam. During your stay in Vietnam, you have witnessed many changes in the country. How do you feel about the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting taking place in Hanoi?
Mr Hervy: During my working visit to Vietnam, I was very impressed with Vietnam’s active preparations for the AELM. I see that relevant ministries and agencies have coordinated closely to organise some events before the AELM. Many activities have been held to welcome the great event. The atmosphere in Hanoi is very busy and hectic these days. The streets are bedecked with banners, flags and flowers to welcome international guests to Vietnam. Especially, security and social order have been ensured for the event. I believe that the AELM will be successful with such pro-active and thorough preparations.
VOV: You have been able to closely watch the developments of Vietnam and I think the APEC meeting in Hanoi has attracted your interest. What do you think about the importance of APEC to Vietnam?
Mr Hervy: This is an important international event as it gathers many big economies in the world. By hosting the event, Vietnam’s position in the international arena has been confirmed in the political and economic sense. Vietnam’s position has been further raised in the world after the country joined the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Vietnam wants to tell the world that it is a dynamic country which is developing fast and actively integrating into the world economy.
I am sure that with the success of the APEC meeting, Vietnam will raise its profile further in the world, and economic exchanges between Vietnam and big partners and economies in the Asia-Pacific region will be further boosted. The successful hosting of the APEC meeting in Hanoi will leave a deep impression on the world community, demonstrating Vietnam’s dynamism and pro-activeness in national development and international integration.
VOV: Thank you very much.
