International Focus Magazine Vol. 3, #3 | Page 43

APEC leaders also set major plans for APEC cooperation until 2020 and beyond so as to work towards an APEC for people and businesses, help to build an Asia-Pacific com- munity of peace, stability, dynamism, inter-connectivity and prosper- ity, and uphold APEC’s leadership in coping with new challenges. ASEAN’s outstanding attainments and central role were highlighted during the year. The APEC lead- ers convened the first-ever dialogue with all 10 ASEAN members, aiming to enhance coordination in promot- ing regional growth and economic connectivity. By hosting the week and the APEC Year 2017, Vietnam has obtained all major targets, including improving the country’s role and stature in the international arena, strengthening its relations with other APEC econo- mies, connecting Vietnamese enter- prises with APEC firms, and popu- larizing its development and business potential. The hosting helped Viet- nam carry out the foreign policy of diversifying and multi-lateralizing foreign relations, integrating into the world, and boosting the effectiveness of multilateral diplomacy, with the goal of ensuring peace, stability and favorable conditions for national de- velopment. Vietnam made use of APEC activi- ties to bolster ties with major part- ners. On the occasion of the APEC iF Magazine | www.iFMagazine.net 43