(China Daily)
Updated: 2007-09-10 06:52

SYDNEY: The Asia-Pacific region has seen further development with the emerging of various free trade agreements and closer economic and trade links among its members, President Hu Jintao said yesterday.

Taking into account the diversity of the Asia-Pacific region, "we should promote regional economic integration at various levels and by various means", Hu said at the 15th Economic Leaders' Meeting of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.

On the proposed establishment of an Asia-Pacific Free Trade Area, Hu said it should be a long-term and gradual process as many issues need to be further studied.

China is ready to work with other APEC member economies to continue to boost regional economic integration in the Asia-Pacific region, and conduct further studies on the prospects of an Asia-Pacific Free Trade Area, Hu said.

The leaders' declaration included a "statement of very strong support for the Doha Round of world trade talks and an urgent request for all countries involved in the Doha process to renew their efforts to achieve an outcome, emphasizing that agriculture and industrial products are the two priority areas", Australian Prime Minister John Howard said.

The leaders agreed to strengthen regional economic integration and would further explore the possibility of a free trade area for the Asia-Pacific, Howard said. They will also take measures to improve the business environment and human security.

Xinhua-Agencies

(China Daily 09/10/2007 page2)