DETRIOT: China has reiterated its dedication and support toward building a multilateral trade system as well as sustainable and inclusive trade development at the 29th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) trade ministers’ meeting that was held in Detroit, U.S. on May 25 and 26.
Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, who led a delegation at the meeting, urged APEC economies to enhance open regionalism, maintain the pivotal role of the Asia-Pacific free trade area, and relentlessly push forward regional economic integration.
Highlighting the essential role of green and low-carbon development as well as the digital economy, Wang endorsed policy exchanges and coordination, technical assistance and capacity building to drive sustainable growth.
He emphasized the need for industrial cooperation and infrastructure investment to assist developing economies and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seize development opportunities.
Additionally, Wang held a meeting with World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and discussed the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement and the preparations for the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13). Wang repeated China’s dedication toward genuine multilateralism and WTO reforms and said China was committed to substantial contributions to the success of the MC13.
At the meeting, Okonjo-Iweala praised China’s positive and constructive role within the WTO and expressed her expectation for China’s continued leadership.
