The first meeting of the Preparatory Committee for the Conference of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in 2001, which will be held in Shanghai, was convened in Beijing on January 6.

Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan, also director of the preparatory committee, presided over the meeting aimed at making good preparations for the success of the APEC meeting in October 2001.

Tang said in his speech that APEC, as the highest level and most influential regional economic organization in the Asia-Pacific region, has played an active role in promoting economic development in the region and the world since its establishment 10 years ago.

APEC serves as an important arena for China's diplomacy and external economic exchange, he noted, adding that the Shanghai meeting will provide a valuable opportunity for China to play an even more important role in international and regional issues.

Success of the 2001 meeting will certainly further promote economic cooperation in the region and enhance the bilateral ties between China and other countries of the region, Tang said.

Founded in 1989, the organization convenes an informal leadership conference and a ministerial meeting annually with the purpose of realizing common prosperity through economic cooperation.

China joined the organization in 1991 and has taken an active part in its activities ever since. Beginning in 1993, President Jiang Zemin has participated in the annual informal leadership conferences every year. (Xinhua)