Rising to the challenge

At a time when the global financial crisis has been spreading, causing severe shocks to global economic growth, the world badly needed a boost to its confidence in finding a solution to the financial meltdown. Fortunately, the 7th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) that concluded Saturday in Beijing has given that boost.

The ASEM, with 45 member countries that represent more than 50 percent of the world's gross domestic product, has made clear Asian and European leaders' determination to stand together to tackle the global financial crisis.

A statement of the 7th ASEM on the international financial situation stressed that authorities of all countries should demonstrate vision and resolution and take firm, decisive and effective measures in a responsible and timely manner to rise to the challenge of the financial crisis.