China Hopes Upcoming ASEM Meeting Helpful to New Round of Trade Talks

Home>>China

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Saturday, July 05, 2003

China Hopes Upcoming ASEM Meeting Helpful to New Round of Trade Talks

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

China hopes that the upcoming 5th ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting) Economic Ministers' Meeting in China will be helpful to the process of the new round of multilateral trade talks which are largely stalled at the present time, a Chinese trade official said here Friday.

Yi Xiaozhun, director of the Department of International Trade and Economic Affairs of the Ministry of Commerce, said at a press conference that economic ministers from Asia and Europe gathering in China to discuss the new round of free trade talks will providean excellent opportunity for them to reach consensus on certain issues.

About 300 delegates, including the European Commission ministerfor economic affairs and economic ministers from 15 member states of the European Union, China, Japan, the Republic of Korea and seven of the 10-member ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) nations, are expected to participate in the meeting in Dalian from July 22 to 24. Dalian is a coastal city in northeast China known for its picturesque landscape.

The new round of trade talks, the world economic situation and economic cooperation between Asia and Europe will be the three main topics of the meeting.

"The new round of trade talks is a common topic for all economic ministers," Yi said. "But talks on all issues have not proceeded as expected. We believe that this occasion for Asia and European economic ministers to sit down together will be an important opportunity to reach consensus on certain issues."

Questions?Comments? Click here

ASEM Economic Ministers to Meet in China Late July

Tripod Set Up in Deng's Hometown to Commemorate Anniversary of His Birth ( 3 Messages)

Chinese Regard Haphazard Spitting as most Disgusting Habit ( 3 Messages)

Chinese Mainland, HK Vows to Forge Closer Economic Ties ( 3 Messages)

Hu Jintao Addresses Symposium on "Three Represents" ( 3 Messages)

BBC, Downing Street Dispute over Weapon Dossier ( 3 Messages)