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The 5th APEC Meeting of the Ministers Responsible for Mining, which opened last week in Beijing, has again shown the world that China holds a tolerant and open attitude, and it hopes to promote overseas cooperation in mineral exploration to attain win-win results.
The meeting also reflected that mining industry in the Asia-Pacific region will have sustainable development, with overseas cooperation deepening and broadening.
The mining sector is the foundation for economic development, and sustainable development is of great importance to countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
The region leads the world in both production and consumption of mineral resources. For example, it contributes nearly half of the world's total output of oil and gas, and also consumes half of the total output.
In addition, given the uneven distribution of those resources, it is necessary to realize rational allocation and efficient sharing by strengthening collaboration, as well as boosting regional economic development since regional integration has already become a common aspiration of the APEC members.
Development of the mining sector now faces many challenges, such as the drop in demand for mineral products, falls in product prices and reduced investment in the field.
However, that does not mean the sector will decline in importance. On contrary, the restructuring of the global mining industry and technology innovation are speeding up, which will meet the long-term demand for resources from developed economies.
The mining industry will continue to play an important role in global economic development, and also bear higher expectations for its innovation capabilities and a greater focus on its social responsibilities and environmental protection.
It is predictable that the Asia-Pacific region will retain its position as the world's largest provider and consumer of mineral resources in the coming years.
Whether the industry can enter a new era and have steady progress will have an immeasurable impact on the social and economic development of the entire area. Cooperation will bring win-win results, which is the basic consensus of the global mining industry.
The mining sector has had a pivotal role in the region's economy, and now is about to enter into a new development era.
In the light of this, it would have far-reaching significance if the representatives from the 18 economies in the conference can reach a consensus on issues related to building a closer collaborative relationship and promote industrial innovation, social responsibility and common development.
Promoting industrial cooperation with a tolerant and open attitude is a consistent effort by China's mining department. I hope this year's conference will produce a blueprint for realizing the bright prospects for the industry in the Asia-Pacific region with the efforts of all APEC members.
The author is a senior reporter from China Land and Resources News. Contact the author through zhuanti@chinadaily.com.cn
