Chinese president attends APEC Economic Leaders Meeting

• Source: Xinhua
• [14:42 November 14 2009]
• Comments

Chinese President Hu Jintao and other leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies met Saturday in Singapore to explore ways of countering the international financial crisis and reviving the world economy.

During the two-day meeting, the APEC leaders were to focus on the financial crisis, climate change, protectionism, supporting a multilateral trading platform, and advancing regional economic integration.

APEC leaders exchanged views on "connecting the region" during the opening session.

Chinese President Hu Jintao expounded on China's position concerning multilateral trading.

Hu said in his remarks that safeguarding a stable multilateral trading mechanism and advancing the Doha Round negotiations would help promote the openness of international trade, curb protectionism and revive the world economy.

Such moves are of vital importance to all members, particularly the developing members, in countering the financial crisis, and conform to the common interests of all relevant parties, Hu said.

"We must be committed to our promises, strongly oppose trade protectionism in all its manifestations, be vigilant against and correct the 'invisible' protectionism acts in various forms, reduce and eliminate trade barriers, and solve trade disputes through dialogue and coordination, thus creating favorable conditions of the full recovery and long-term development of world economy," Hu said.

The Chinese president said China strongly supports trade and investment liberalization and facilitation and is committed to establishing a fair, open, equitable and non-discriminatory multilateral trading mechanism.

"China is ready to work with other members to play a constructive role and advance the Doha Round negotiations, on the basis of locking in the existing achievements and respecting the Doha mandate," he said.

"We are ready to speed up the settlement of the remaining issues and work for early comprehensive and balanced outcomes in the negotiations at an early date in order to achieve the goals of the development round," Hu said.