BANGKOK, Oct. 20 (Xinhuanet) --
Chinese President Hu Jintao made a three-point proposal here
Monday on improving the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
(APEC) process.
"Along
with the changes in the regional and international
situation, people are thinking more and more about APEC's
own future," Hu said in a speech delivered at the
first-day session of the 11th APEC Economic Leaders'
Meeting.
"China has all
along committed itself to Asia-Pacific economic cooperation
and actively participated in APEC activities. The new
Chinese government will, as always, support and facilitate
the APEC process and keep up with cooperation of mutual
benefit with other members," Hu said.
He proposed that APEC member
economies consider three points for the development of the
21-member forum, which groups Australia, Brunei, Canada,
Chile, China, Chinese Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South
Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea,
Peru, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei,
Thailand, the United States and Vietnam.
First, Hu said, the APEC
approach, which features respect for differences, equality,
mutual benefit, voluntarism and consensus, should be upheld.
"Facts have proved that
such an approach represents an effective vehicle and a right
choice for regional cooperation, as it tallies with our
region's diversity, accommodates the members' differing
needs and helps members to balance their interests,"
the Chinese president said.
Secondly, APEC should embrace
reform and innovation by willingly adapting itself to
changing circumstances.
"An organization can
maintain its vigor and grow from strength to strength only
when it can keep pace with the times and innovate
continuously," Hu said. "APEC should act
proactively to adapt to new circumstances, take on new
challenges, conduct necessary reforms and readjustments to
itself and strive to make its activities more timely and
relevant."
Thirdly, Hu
said, APEC should gear its multi-faceted cooperation more to
the business communities and the general public."
"We need to learn more
about what they think and what they wantand do our best to
help them," Hu said.
On
China's economic performance, Hu said that China has
overcome the negative impact of the SARS outbreak and have
sustained the momentum of sound growth.
"We are confident that,
on balance, our targets for economic and social development
this year will be met," Hu said.
He stressed that China's
development will generate new opportunities for economic
growth in the Asia-Pacific region and the whole world.
"We will continue to
strengthen our friendship and cooperation with other
countries and work for peace and development in the
Asia-Pacific region and the world at large," Hu said.
"China will forever be a
force dedicated to world peace and common development,"
the Chinese leader said.