Asia Leaders' Forum Opens in BeijingThe 2000 Asia Leaders' Forum, sponsored by the Asia-Australia Institute, held its opening ceremony on Aopril 23 evening.The two-day forum is supported by the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs with the theme: "The New East Asian Regionalism: Challenges and Opportunities." More than 50 senior officials, businesspeople, and experts from Asia-Pacific countries are attending the forum to discuss the political and economic situation in the region and other issues of common concern. Alexander Downer, Australian minister of foreign affairs, and George Yeo, Singapore's minister of trade and industry, are among those attending the forum. Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan addressed the opening ceremony, saying that with the coming of the new scientific and technological revolution, globalization, and multi-polarity, East Asia is facing both great opportunities and unpredictable challenges. The further interdependence of the East Asian countries will promote regional trade and investment, and will be conducive to regional peace and stability, he added. Tang also voiced his hope that the East Asian countries will, based on the principles of voluntariness, equality, and mutual benefit, advance step by step for common development and further regional economic cooperation. More than 70 Chinese and foreign guests attended the opening ceremony. |
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