APEC Members Urged to Build Regional Coop.

As a dynamic region with rapid economic growth, the Asia-Pacific region has become a primary driving force for the global economy thanks to its abundant human resources with high skills, which are effectively combined with quality institutional frameworks and close collaboration among member economies, says a Vietnamese official.

In his opening remark at the 42nd plenary meeting of the Human Resources Development Working Group of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation on Sunday in Hanoi, deputy labor minister, Doan Mau Diep, said high quality human resources are increasingly important for the development of each country, since both the world and region are experiencing large changes under the impacts of the fourth industrial revolution, especially digital technology, VNA reported.

“Our urgent task is to promote regional cooperation, study and make timely assessments on the impacts of digital technology on human resources development, based on which is the proposing of pioneer solutions to increase the adaptability of the labor force in the digital age,” he said.

Diep expressed hope that the meeting would focus discussions on the Framework of Human Resources Development in the Digital Age for consensus.

If approved, this will be the outcome document of the APEC High-level Policy Dialogue on Human Resources Development in the Digital Age, with significant contributions to the development of high quality human resources, enhancement of job quality and connection among people in the APEC region, he added.

Talking with Vietnam News Agency on the sidelines of the meeting on Monday, Christina Maria Schonleber, vice director (international secretariat) of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities, said the fourth industrial revolution will benefit the labor market, especially in the digital age, and create opportunities for development of skills, with the assistance of new technologies.

The development of the digital age will lay a foundation for development in the future, she said, adding that the labor market needs to develop further, particularly enhancing transnational connections and expanding vocational training.

Representatives from 21 APEC member countries gathered in Hanoi to discuss ways to boost sustainable urbanization in the context of globalization and climate change.

Addressing the event, Bui Thanh Son, deputy foreign minister, stated that together with the increasing urbanization and its role in socio-economic development, there were many associated problems and challenges having high-level impact on the environment and the people.

“They require changes in urban development and management approaches,” he said, stressing the need for multi-sector, integrated strategies and solutions to support well-managed urban development, and problem-solving and innovative methods for sustainable and inclusive development.