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 persistent 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.
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. |