APEC MRT Meeting Continues Plenary SessionThe plenary session of the 2001 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Meeting of Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) continued Thursday morning in Shanghai.Top trade officials from 21 member economies of APEC had in- depth discussions on pursuing an open trade policy, how to contribute to a multilateral trade regime, promoting trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, enhancing economic and technical cooperation, as well as advancing the new economy and e- commerce. The meeting opened Wednesday morning at the Shanghai International Convention Center and moved to Zhouzhuang, a waterside ancient town in the neighboring province of Jiangsu, that afternoon. A Chairman's Statement is expected to be issued late today and a news conference will be given by heads of the 21 member economies shortly after the meeting close Thursday afternoon, briefing the press on the achievements of the two-day meeting. The MRT meeting is the first in a series of ministerial-level APEC meetings hosted by China this year and a preparation meeting for the APEC informal leadership meeting scheduled for October in Shanghai. |
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