SARS should not become an excuse for trade protectionism or for limiting the flow of labor, goods and capital, a joint statement from 21 trade ministers from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation(APEC) said Tuesday.

It also said APEC member economies should cooperate more and minimize the negative impact of SARS on regional economic development.

The joint statement was issued at the end of the two-day annual APEC trade ministers' meeting in Khon Kaen, Thailand.

This is APEC's first ministerial meeting after the SARS outbreak in April.

Chinese Vice-Minister of Commerce An Min, who headed China's delegation to the meeting, supported APEC's efforts to facilitate trade in the region, saying it would improve the business environment for member economies.

The Chinese vice-minister said regional trade should be open, inclusive and in line with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and APEC goals.

He said China supported rapid progress in the ongoing WTO Doha round of trade liberalization talks.

An also noted issue of concern to developing members and new members should be taken into account.

Trade ministers said in the joint statement that they are determined to do more to liberalize trade and encourage investment in the Asia-Pacific region.

(China Daily June 4, 2003)