Chinese president to speak at APEC meeting

BEIJING - Chinese President Hu Jintao is to put forward proposals on strengthening the world economy and development in the Asia-Pacific region, a foreign ministry official said in Beijing Thursday.

Ma Zhaoxu, assistant minister of foreign affairs, said at a press briefing that Hu will deliver a speech at the 20th informal economic leaders' meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) slated for September 6 to 9 in Vladivostok of Russia.

In his speech, Hu will elaborate on China's stance on the topics of this year's meeting, which will focus on trade and investment liberalization, regional economic integration, food security, reliable supply chains and innovative growth. He will also review APEC development over the past more than two decades and cast light on the future of APEC.

Ma said the Chinese president will also deliver a keynote speech at the APEC CEO summit. In it, Hu will introduce the economic situation and policy of China. He will also make proposals on developing infrastructure as regional economies strive to stabilize growth and promote recovery.

Hu will encourage business circles in the region to actively participate in China's modernization and share opportunities and the fruits of Chinese development, Ma said.

During the annual meeting, Hu will hold dialogues with personages from Asia-Pacific business circles to exchange views on trade liberalization, regional integration, supply chains, food security, small- and medium-sized enterprises and innovation-driven growth.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Hu will meet with  Russian President Vladimir Putin and leaders of other APEC economies.

According to Ma, the Chinese and Russian presidents will discuss advancing bilateral ties and major regional and international issues.

"We believe that President Hu's attendance at the meeting will play an importance role in promoting development of the Asia-Pacific region, advancing the process of regional cooperation and deepening friendly and cooperative relations between China and other APEC members," Ma said.