By Xinhua
Sydney : Senior officials from the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies have suggested during their annual meeting here that all-round efforts be made to move the Doha Round process forward.
The APEC members hold that it is important for the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to conclude the Doha Round negotiation early, David Spencer, Australia’s ambassador to APEC and chair of the APEC Concluding Senior Officials Meeting, said here Monday.
Briefing reporters on the progress of the two-day meeting, which started Sunday, Spencer said the officials are working for the agenda for APEC’s Ministerial Meeting slated for Sep 5-6 and the Economic Leaders Meeting scheduled to be held here from Sep 8 to 9.
The officials’ discussions also focussed on regional economic integration, human security, APEC reform and climate change, he said.
On the regional economic integration, Spencer said the officials held that such integration should be strengthened. They have prepared a report and made some suggestions on the subject for the ministerial and the leaders meetings.
The officials also discussed health issues, stressing the importance of prevention and preparation against such disease as bird flu.
The officials said APEC needs structural reform and suggested official meetings and dialogues in next year to push the reform forward.
The officials also discussed in a general way the climate change issue, he said, adding that experts will come in the next couple of days to deal with the issue.