Mr. James Soh, Co-Chair, APEC Voices Leadership Council,

Mr. Nguyen Long Hai, Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union,

Distinguished guests,

and young delegates from APEC member economies.

First of all, on behalf of the Da Nang authorities and people, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to all of you, who have had long journeys to get to Da Nang, our lovely coastal city well-known for its long white sandy beaches, marble mountains, and the unique traditional culture of Central Viet Nam.

I would like to send my congratulations to all the young talents here today, as I know that in order to be chosen as an official delegate of the APEC Voices of the Future, you have had to demonstrate your great knowledge in all fields, from economics, politics to socio-culture and history, as well as being excellent at English communication.

Dear distinguished guests and young delegates

As we know, Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) is the forum for 21 (twenty-one) member economies around the Pacific Rim, to work together with the goal of strengthening economic and political ties.  The APEC Economic Leaders’ Week is one of the most important annual events, and Da Nang is very honored to host the event this year.  It illustrates the efforts of the city government in all aspects, to welcome senior leaders, and international delegates from APEC member economies.

Dear young delegates,

Our world is facing many global issues that cannot be solved without everyone’s involvement and collaboration.  It is clear that The Fourth Industrial Revolution has been having significant impacts in every country.  Apart from a great deal of opportunities to speed up global economic growth, this revolution also generates challenges that require more innovation and change in the human mindset.  The world’s future therefore, is heavily dependent on the young generation, who possess the knowledge, abundant energy and unlimited creativity.

I truly appreciate the importance of the APEC Voices of the Future, held in conjunction with the annual APEC Economic Leaders’ Week.  This is a forum where young people have opportunities to approach practical knowledge shared by leaders.  I suggest that you should be more proactive in approaching new information and have good discussions.

In addition, the forum is of great importance for you, to showcase your responsibility, and contribute your voice to the future development and prosperity of member economies, and the entire world.  I hope that through practical activities in Da Nang, together with your intelligence, youth and creativity, you will have feasible and unique initiatives to contribute to the forum with the theme “Creating New Dynamism, Fostering a Shared Future”

I also strongly hope that you - our young generation - our future, will always maintain the passion in your heart, which drives you to further achievements.  We are very proud of our world where there are many young talented leaders.  Therefore, I trust that all of you here today will soon become great leaders and successful entrepreneurs, and you will make non-stop efforts for a peaceful and prosperous Asia-Pacific Region.  

Finally, I hope you can take advantage of this opportunity to share your own cultural values, in addition to connecting and nourishing the friendships, which will lay the foundations for future cooperation among member economies.  Hopefully after this APEC, you will return to our beautiful city of Da Nang for traveling, living and doing business.

I wish the APEC Voices of the Future 2017 success and may you all have an enjoyable stay in Da Nang.

Thank you very much.