Washington (VNA)🃏 – Vietnam is an importantpartner of the US in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), contributingto all the different efforts and working processes throughout the APEC year,said Matt Murray, US Senior Official for APEC.

Speaking with the Vietnam News Agency in Washington in the context that the two countries are celebrating the 10th anniversary of their comprehensive partnership(July 25, 2013- 2023), the official of the State Department's Bureau of EastAsian and Pacific Affairs said that Vietnam is an important partner in handlingregional economic issues.  He said Vietnam is a very important partner of the US inASEAN. The country is a member of APEC and also one of the partiesparticipating in the negotiations of the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework forProsperity (IPEF).   The Vietnam - US cooperation relationship has recorded alot of progress in the past 10 years and the US Government looks forward toboosting cooperation with Vietnam in the next decade, he said. Currently, the US is paying special attention toVietnam's role and position in maintaining regional and global supply chains.  He said he is impressed with Vietnam's commitment tosustainable development and economic growth. When Thailand launched the Bangkok Initiative targeting acircular economy at APEC last year, Vietnam supported that effort. The US hashad many discussions with its Vietnamese partners about how the two sides canwork together to improve sustainable economic growth in the region. Anotherimportant area is inclusive economic development which ensures all people andall communities benefit from economic growth. Vietnam has been at the forefrontin this area, so the US welcomes Vietnam's comments on these issues in APEC. According to Murray, the US is pleased to serve as theAPEC host this year. It is a great opportunity for member economies to discusshow to cope with economic "headwinds" as a region.  Under the theme of “Creating a Resilient and SustainableFuture for All”, APEC 2023 includes not only senior officials’ meetings butalso 10 ministerial meetings and then APEC CEO Summit in San Francisco inNovember. The US appreciates the participation of Vietnameseofficials at all APEC meetings, he said, adding that those will be a greatopportunity to promote regional economic cooperation as well as bilateralcooperation with Vietnam./.