Global meeting of emerging markets opens

Hanoi (VNA) - Policy makers, scholars and CEOs of major groups are
attending a global meeting of emerging markets forum, which opened in
Hanoi on June 29.

Opening the meeting, Minister of Planning and Investment Vo Hong Phuc
emphasised the recent successes in economic development of emerging
economies, which, he said, had lifted the positions of these countries on
the world map.

The minister hoped that at the meeting, participants can share information
and experiences to help each other to enjoy mutual development at a time
when these economies are facing impacts of the global economic recession
with the decline of the securities market, inflation, food shortage and
climate changes.

The minister said that in the first half of this year, Vietnam 's
economy faced not a few difficulties and challenges. However, the government's
drastic measures to manage the macro economy have had initial effects.

Foreign investment commitment to Vietnam exceeded 31 billion USD over
the past six months of this year while the consumer price index and trade
deficit started a downward plunge.

Many international financial institutions, donors, economists and
investors are optimistic about the medium- and long-term development
prospects of Vietnam , affirmed Deputy Minister Phuc.

Former Philippine President Fidel Ramos stressed the need to discuss
economic and trade issues in order to accelerate the flows of private
investment capital among emerging economies.

Discussion during the two-day forum will focus on the recent development
of the international financial market and emerging economies, the role of
independent investment funds; and Vietnam 's long-term economic
development prospects.

Trans-border trade and investment in Asia, Africa and Latin America;
financial markets in the regions of developing countries, especially the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN); and the climate changes'
possible impacts on emerging economies will also be discussed.-Enditem