Deputy Representative of International Trade Negotiations Li Yongzhen attended the 35th APEC Ministerial Conference and delivered a speech
On [Date], the 35th APEC Ministerial Meeting was held in Lima, Peru. The meeting focused on discussions regarding support for the multilateral trade system, the construction of the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific, trade facilitation, and other topics, in preparation for the 31st APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting to be held on [Date].
Li Yongzhe, Deputy Representative of the Ministry of Commerce for International Trade Negotiations, attended the meeting and delivered a speech. Li Yongzhe stated that APEC members should promote the WTO to play a leading role in the formulation of international economic and trade rules, achieve development-oriented outcomes at the 14th Ministerial Conference, expedite the resumption of the dispute settlement mechanism, incorporate the investment facilitation agreement into the multilateral legal framework as soon as possible, enhance the stability and resilience of global supply chains, and make further progress on agricultural issues and trade and environmental issues.
Li Yongzhi emphasized the need to persist in making the construction of the Asia-Pacific Free Trade Area the main channel for regional economic integration, maintaining the correct direction of regional economic integration, continuing to promote the liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment, and opposing protectionism and unilateralism. Efforts should be made to expand membership and enhance coordination within relevant regional economic agreements, actively engage in information sharing and capacity building, and improve the level of mutual openness among all parties. The exploration of new rules should adhere to openness and inclusiveness, taking into account the interests of developing economies and various groups.
Li Yongzhi pointed out that the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China made a decision to comprehensively deepen reforms and advance the Chinese path to modernization. China will steadily expand institutional-type openness and continuously optimize the environment for open cooperation. China is willing to share the development opportunities of Chinese modernization with all parties, jointly promote the construction of the Asia-Pacific Free Trade Area, and build an open, dynamic, resilient, and peaceful Asia-Pacific community.
