Editorial: China's Successful Hosting of APEC Meeting HailedThe Ninth Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders Meeting, which concluded Sunday, is the first such APEC meeting held in China and is of great significance and far-reaching influence.In an atmosphere of friendly consultation, leaders of APEC members exchanged views on current macroeconomic situation, human capacity building and further development of APEC, and reached a broad consensus and issued a Leaders' Declaration, Shanghai Accord and other documents. The leaders showed determination and confidence in overcoming difficulties and achieving economic recovery, which the editorial says will exert a positive influence on the development in and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region and the world as well. The leaders gave firm support for a multilateral trading system and opposition to trade protectionism, and expressed the will to continue to actively promote the launch of a new round multilateral trade negotiations. As Asia-Pacific economies account for more than half of the world economy, the voice of APEC will be significant for the upcoming ministerial conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Doha, Qatar. The leaders attending the meeting also issued a statement strongly condemning terrorist activities and expressed determination to strengthen international cooperation in combating terrorism. Being a major member, China has made positive contributions to the APEC and won extensive praise from other member economies. We believe that, with the continued efforts of all APEC members, the Asia-Pacific region will have a brighter future. |
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