Long Yongtu, China's deputy minister of foreign trade and economic co-operation, made the remarks at the ongoing General Council meeting of the organization in Geneva, Switzerland.

He said the new round should give special consideration to developing countries, especially the least developed ones, with regard to the extent to which their markets open up.

He said that those taking part in the new round should adopt "practical and efficient measures to ensure the implementation of the Uruguay Round agreements."

Long added: "The new round should ensure full and effective participation of developing members and achieve an overall balance regarding the final results of negotiations so as to reflect the interests of all parties."

Long said the fact that the Chinese leadership had made the strategic decision to join the WTO and participate fully in the multilateral trading system manifested China's determination and confidence in deepening its reform and opening up to the outside world.

"As a WTO member, China will abide by WTO rules and carry out its accession commitments while enjoying its rights on the basis of a balance between rights and obligations," he said.

"China will play a positive and constructive role in the multilateral trading system and make contributions to the development of the world economy and trade, together with other WTO members," he added.

(Xinhua News Agency December 21, 2001)