Ground prepared for regional free trade talks, official says

Asia-Pacific economies are undertaking "frequent consultations" for realizing an early start on negotiations toward a free trade pact that will affect the whole region, a senior Chinese diplomat confirmed on Thursday.

Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Li Baodong delivered the message to the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council's 22nd general meeting in Beijing, an event that serves as a warm-up for the APEC leadership summit, which is set for November, also in Beijing.

A free trade area for the Asia-Pacific region was proposed in 2006. But some observers have seen challenges arise over its establishment and fear APEC's role could be marginalized.