As Vietnam prepares to host APEC 2027 Summit Week, the country is seeking to collaborate with ASEAN and broader Asia-Pacific partners to define long-term shared priorities—ranging from the digital economy and green trade to regional connectivity.
This vision was emphasized by former Vietnamese Ambassador to the United States, Mr. Pham Quang Vinh, during his remarks at the ASEAN Business and Technology Forum (ABTF) 2025, held on October 24 by RMIT Vietnam, under the theme “The Road to APEC 2027 in Vietnam.”
“This is not only an opportunity for Vietnam to demonstrate leadership,” Mr. Vinh said, “but more importantly, to help ASEAN build a firm foundation for inclusive, sustainable, and adaptive development.”
At the forum, three strategic themes were raised as Vietnam’s proposed priorities for APEC 2027:
First, discussions focused on transforming ASEAN’s trade commitments into tangible opportunities, with emphasis on resilient supply chains, intra-regional trade, and enhanced mobility through new visa and shipping corridor initiatives.
Second, experts explored practical implementation of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement, debating how to balance rapid AI adoption in finance and public services with the urgent need to expand digital infrastructure across the region.
The third track highlighted pathways to scale transition finance, renewable energy, and electric vehicle corridors through vibrant startup ecosystems. Case studies from Vietnam, Singapore, and Indonesia showcased both challenges and early successes.
Industry leaders and experts from organizations such as AT&T, Austrade, AWS, the National University of Singapore, New Energy Nexus Vietnam, and GUILD Asia contributed valuable insights, reinforcing the importance of public-private collaboration in advancing these priorities.
Professor Trung Nguyen, Interim Deputy Dean (Engagement and International) at RMIT Vietnam’s Business School, emphasized the forum’s action-oriented approach: “ABTF 2025 is not only a place for dialogue but also a forum for action. In line with RMIT’s strategic ethos of ‘knowledge with action,’ we bring together government, business, and academia to co-define shared priorities and practical solutions for ASEAN as it navigates the waves of AI, the green transition, geopolitical uncertainty, and tariff challenges. Our goal is to move from discussion to deployment, contributing meaningfully to the roadmap for APEC 2027 in Vietnam.”
Google translate