Developing nations call for south-south co-op to achieve MDGs

Experts from developing countries in Beijing Tuesday called for stronger south-south cooperation to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Almost 100 representatives from developing countries and international organizations attended a seminar on the global economy, held by the South Center, a think tank composed of members from developing countries, and China's Foreign Ministry.

The MDGs, endorsed by United Nations (UN) members in 2000, set out eight targets ranging from halving extreme poverty to halting the spread of HIV/AIDS by 2015.

Jose Antonio Ocampo, member of the South Center Board and professor at Columbia University, believed that there were "positive links" between the world economic recovery and the realization of the MDGs, saying economic growth was very important to achieve the goals.

South Center Board member Li Zhaoxing suggested developing nations actively explore development modes according to their own national situations.

They were expected to open markets to each other and strengthen economic and trade exchanges to upgrade south-south cooperation, said Li.

Source:Xinhua
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