ASEM summit to focus on economy

The upcoming biennial ASEM summit of Asian and European leaders will focus on the slowly recovering global economy, a Chinese Foreign Ministry source said on Friday.

“There will be five plenary sessions during the summit, with the most important one being on the economic and financial situation. Member countries will discuss how to deepen cooperation between Asia and Europe to aid economic recovery,” said the official, who declined to be named.

“Our attitude is clear. The summit is a precious chance to reach consensus and promote Asia-Europe cooperation.”

Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei also said on Friday during a daily briefing that China will strive to ensure the success of the summit, which will be held in Vientiane, Laos, from Nov 5 to 6.

The ASEM summit, which started in Thailand in 1996, involves 46 countries and two international organizations — the European Commission and the ASEAN Secretariat.