The three major topics for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2001 Forum include the further sharing of benefits brought by globalization and the new economy, the promoting of liberalization of trade and investment, and the enhancing of dialogues on macro policies.
Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Wang Guangya made the remarks Sunday at a news briefing after the first Senior Officials Meeting (SOM I) of the 13th APEC Ministerial Conference. He said that these topics have been accepted by all members.
Wang, also chairman of the SOM I, said that by further sharing the benefits the developed and developing APEC member economies could better meet challenges brought by economic globalization. For this purpose, all members should step up capacity building, develop human resources and expand economic and technical cooperation.
As to the liberalization of trade and investment, Wang said the issue will have much to do this year with whether to launch a new round of WTO consultations, or when to launch it and under what topics.
Wang said the macro economy of the Asia Pacific region as well as the world is facing challenges. Uncertain factors have shown up in some big markets and economies. As the most important economic organization in the region, APEC will play an active role in maintaining a sustainable and stable regional economy through enhancing dialogues on macro policies.
(People’s Daily 02/12/2001)
