PM Dung and his entourage returned to Hanoi on January 31, from a successful working trip to Switzerland where he had attended the World Economic Forum and worked with officials of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the United Nations (UN).

This was the second time the Government leader was seen at the WEF among more than 2,500 delegates, including 30 Government and State leaders, attending 200 meetings.

Mr Dung received a warm welcome and special attention at the forum which addressed global issues such as sustainable economic development, food security and the East Asian community, in which Vietnam has played a significant role.

During the forum, the Vietnamese PM shared knowledge and experiences in dealing with the negative impact of the global economic downturn in spite of which Vietnam achieved positive economic growth and ensured social welfare in 2009.

Talking about Vietnam’s Chairmanship of the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2010, Mr Dung affirmed that the country will endeavour to bring about positive progress for ASEAN and promote the building of a solid East Asian community.

He also revealed that Vietnam has been selected to host the first world economic forum on East Asia in June 2010 in Ho Chi Minh City.

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Doan Xuan Hung, said that the first world economic forum on East Asia to be held in Vietnam will provide a good opportunity for foreign leaders, officials and businesses to observe Vietnam’s significant socio-economic achievements over the past 20 years of implementing its renovation programme. It will also help promote the image of Vietnam and its people and boost economic and investment cooperation with foreign countries.

In addition to his practical proposals at the 2010 WEF, PM Dung met with more than 40 chairmen and general directors of the world’s leading economic groups. He held meetings with the Swiss President, the Belgian Prime Minister and the Chinese Deputy Prime Minister, highlighting key factors that make Vietnam a good destination for investment and shared the country’s vision in its position of ASEAN Chair, with the aim of strengthening friendship and cooperation with other countries.

Before arriving in Davos to attend the WEF, PM Dung visited and worked with WTO officials in Geneva and held meetings with heads of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO). International friends highly valued Vietnam’s active participation in global political and economic events, describing the country as a responsible member of the international community.

Ambassador Vu Dung, Permanent Representative of Vietnam in Geneva, affirmed that international organistions praised PM Dung’s working visit, saying Vietnam always attached importance to cooperation with UN agencies. International organistions also voiced their support for Vietnam in various fields, including health care, labour and meteorology.

During Mr Dung’s working session with WTO General Director, Pascal Lamy, both sides agreed to boost the Doha round of negotiations to open new opportunities for trade development.

Mr Lamy said that the WTO is willing to help Vietnam train officials, especially negotiators and lawyers, driving the country’s current period of international economic integration. The world’s largest economic organisation will also support Vietnam in creating a roadmap for its development in order to successfully integrate into the global economy, he added.

PM Dung’s attendance at the annual WEF and his working sessions with the WTO and UN officials have complied with Vietnam’s wish to promote multi-faceted cooperation in a more comprehensive and proper manner. It has also contributed to increasing the country’s position and prestige in the political and economic life of the international community.