Under the chair of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh, it brought together ministers from 21 member economies, leaders from APEC’s observing organisations such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council, the Pacific Islands Forum, among others. 

Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Roberto Avezedo presented a report on the global trade situation and preparations for the 11th WTO Ministerial Conference. 

Representatives from the APEC’s observing organisations briefed participants about cooperation outcomes over the past year and offered recommendations to boost cooperation with the bloc. 

Discussions will continue on November 9.