APEC 2000 China Forum Opens In Beijing

State Councilor Wu Yi said Sunday that along with its upcoming accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), China's opening-up will enter a new phase, and the most populous nation will play an even more important role in the global economy.

Wu made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the Asia-PacificEconomic Cooperation (APEC) 2000 China Forum.

Wu said that the strategy for China at present and in the long term is to promote economic restructuring. China should develop high-efficiency agriculture and eco-agriculture, promote industrial restructuring, strengthen environmental protection, and particularly develop China's western areas.

Changes in China's economic environment have provided opportunities for enterprises at home and abroad, she said.

Wu highly valued APEC's efforts to promote economic prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and across the globe, reiterating that the Chinese government attaches great importance to further developing APEC.

Liberalization of trade and investment and cooperation in economy and technology, as APEC advocates, are acting as a vital impetus between China and other APEC members, as well as to developing all APEC economies, Wu noted.

Rotating president of the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) Timothy Ong said that China's progress is vital to the overall development of APEC. He also gave credit to China's contribution to financial stability during the Asian financial crisis.

Obviously, there could not be a prosperous APEC without a prosperous China, he said.

Timothy Ong also said that ABAC welcomes China's progress toward WTO accession.

The forum is aimed at enhancing understanding with China on economic development in Asia Pacific and the rest of the world, creating opportunities for enhancing exchanges and cooperation between enterprises in China and other APEC members.

During the two-day forum, representatives will carry out in-depth discussions on topics such as economic globalization and China, APEC development and participation of enterprises.



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