'Progress likely' on trade pact

Asia-Pacific officials urged to take the initiative in building open economy

Progress will be made on an Asia-Pacific free trade agreement this year, including the design of a road map for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation's contribution to the pact, as regional leaders work to translate a longstanding goal into reality, State Councilor Yang Jiechi said on Wednesday.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the Third Senior Officials' Meeting of APEC 2014, Yang also urged Asia-Pacific leaders to "take the lead in building an open economy driven by innovation, interconnection and integration and continue to usher the world economic recovery".