China to strengthen cooperation with APEC

China will continue to strengthen cooperation with the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum despite delays and frustrations with the Doha Round of trade negotiations, Ministry of Commerce spokesman Chong Quan said on Monday.

"Supporting the Doha Round trade liberalization talks has long been a key topic at the APEC. We will strengthen collaboration with APEC members at the informal November meeting for APEC leaders in Hanoi, Vietnam," Chong said at a regular press conference.

He spoke highly of the contributions the APEC meeting had made in facilitating the Doha talks since 2001.

"China recognizes the key role played by APEC in speeding up trade and investment liberalization across the Asia-Pacific region and has taken an active part in APEC events," Chong said.

China is ready to work with all APEC members on the principle of voluntary participation and consultation to make the "Pusan Roadmap" for the common prosperity of the Asia-Pacific Region a reality, he said.

Trade relations between China and APEC members are now much closer. Last year more than 67.6 percent of China's foreign trade, or 960.7 billion US dollars, was carried out with APEC members.

Source: Xinhua