China pins high hope on APEC summit

By Zhao Huanxin (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2009-11-12 13:34

SINGAPORE: China expects an Asia-Pacific summit, due to open here on Saturday, will mobilize the international community to better cope with the financial crisis, combat protectionism, and promote regional integration.

During his talks with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong Thursday morning, President Hu Jintao said China hoped the upcoming Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Informal Meeting will come up with "concrete measures" to spur economic growth and beef up regional collaboration.

The president said he anticipated the summit to send a "clear-cut and strong" signal of opposing trade and investment protectionism, which has been persisting and rampant, partly fueled by the current global economic downturn.

Prime Minister Lee has also called on APEC members to re-commit to the goals of sustaining growth, avoiding protectionism and promoting regional economic integration during a welcome reception for the APEC Ministerial Meeting at Suntec Singapore Tuesday evening.

In addition, Hu said China supported the Doha Round talks, built on the results heretofore achieved, to yield comprehensive and balanced outcomes.

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APEC's leaders were concerned at the lack of substantive progress on concluding the round of world trade talks commenced in Doha in 2001 and called for a deal in 2010, according to a draft statement by the 21-member group seen early this month.

The Chinese president also said China hoped the APEC summit could make headway in accelerating regional economic integration, facilitating a favorable business environment, and enhancing the capacity building of developing economies.

"China is ready to work along with Singapore and other APEC members to realize these objectives," Hu said.

Singapore's Prime Minister Lee said he welcomed China to actively participate in the Asia-Pacific regional cooperation.

He said Singaporean-Sino relations are full of vigor, and the two sides would explore new cooperative areas, such as urban planning, waste water treatment, environmental protection and in promoting social harmony.

The Chinese president arrived in Singapore Wednesday evening. He will wrap up his stay in the city state on Sunday.