Hai Phong, July 16 -- Initiatives put forward by the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) are a driving force for the Asia - Pacific region's sustainable development, State President Luong Cuong said while addressing the council's third meeting (ABAC III) and relevant events in the northern port city of Hai Phong on July 16. President Cuong emphasised that throughout its 36-year journey of formation and development, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum has affirmed its role as a leading economic cooperation mechanism in the region, and a driving force for growth and integration, helping to ensure peace, stability, connectivity, and prosperity across the Asia-Pacific. In the context of profound geopolitical shifts, and globa...