China Calls for More Input in Mekong River DevelopmentChinese Premier Zhu Rongji called Friday for increased input in the development of the Mekong River Basin, saying the development will help narrow the development gap between countries in the region.Zhu made the call when tabling a five point proposal on enhancing East Asia cooperation at the summit meeting between the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China, Japan and South Korea. "China agrees that priority should be given to the infrastructure development, such as transportation, telecommunications and energy, and human resources development," Zhu said. The premier said China also hopes that Japan and South Korea will give full play to their advantages in financial and technological resources and contribute to the development and exploitation of the Mekong River Basin. Zhu said the achievements in cooperation among the ASEAN, China, Japan and South Korea indicate that East Asian regional cooperation conforms to the needs and interests of the countries concerned and reflects the confidence and desire of these countries to strengthen their cooperation and attain common development. "Given the growing trend of economic globalization and the forming of regional economic groupings, it is necessary for the East Asian countries to vigorously expand regional cooperation. Without a strong economic growth and substantial regional cooperation, the revitalization of East Asia as a whole would be out of the question," the Chinese premier told leaders from Japan, South Korea and the 10 ASEAN members. ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. |
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