PRESIDENT Xi Jinping called on Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies to bring their cooperation to a higher level based on a keen appreciation of the trend of the world and its economy.

Underlining the trend of economic globalization, economic integration in the region, and an open economy, Xi urged the economies to keep the momentum of Asia-Pacific cooperation during a speech at the 26th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting hosted by Papua New Guinea (PNG) Prime Minister Peter O’Neill in Port Moresby, capital of the PNG, yesterday.

“We have reached a crossroads of history, when we must have a keen appreciation of the trend of our world and take the pulse of the world economy,” he said, “That is how we will be able to respond to the call of our time and chart our future course accordingly.”

Firstly, the economies need to advance economic integration in the region so as to build an open economy in the Asia-Pacific, Xi said.

“We should continue to promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation,” he said.

“We need to firmly uphold the rules-based multilateral trading system and say no to protectionism,” he said.

Secondly, Xi highlighted the need to pursue innovation-driven growth and foster new growth drivers.

He called on the economies to fully implement the Internet and Digital Economy Roadmap in a balanced way, so as to unleash the growth potential of digital economy.

“We need to promote the building of digital infrastructure and capacity, make digital economy more accessible and bridge the digital divide,” he said.

Thirdly, Xi urged APEC members to improve the connectivity network to promote inclusive and interconnected development.

Noting that efforts are required to turn their connectivity blueprint into reality, he encouraged the APEC economies to take the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as a guide and adopt more concrete steps to make development more balanced, growth more sustainable, opportunities more equal and societies more inclusive.

Fourthly, Xi called on APEC members to forge a closer partnership and jointly meet common challenges.

He said it is important for the APEC economies to stay committed to the shared goal of common development and explore solutions to common challenges.

“We need to respect diversity and each other’s choices of development path, promote integration and mutual learning on the basis of openness and inclusiveness, and engage in both healthy competition and mutually beneficial cooperation,” he said, stressing the importance of jointly building a community with a shared future in the Asia-Pacific.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of China’s reform and opening-up initiative, Xi said, adding that China will pursue with resolve continued reform across the board.

China will continue to pursue its fundamental policy of opening up, he added.

China follows a people-centered development philosophy and a new development vision that features innovative, coordinated, green and open development for the benefit of all, he said.

Xi arrived in Brunei for a state visit later yesterday. 

(Xinhua)