Xi calls for closer Asia-Pacific cooperation for common prosperity

Chinese President Xi Jinping (5th L Front) poses for a group photo before attending the 23rd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Manila, the Philippines, Nov. 19, 2015.[Photo/Xinhua]

Referring to the proposal on China's 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020) adopted at the Fifth Plenary Session of the 18th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Xi reaffirmed China's commitment to innovative, coordinated, green, open and shared development.

"China has the resolve, confidence and ability to realize sustained and healthy economic development and bring more opportunities and benefits to the Asia-Pacific region," Xi said.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that the important ideas Xi put forward at the meeting have charted the course for Asia-Pacific economic growth and were echoed in the 2015 APEC Economic Leaders' Declaration.

In the declaration, the APEC members reaffirmed their commitment to jointly building an open economy in the Asia-Pacific region based on innovative development, interconnected growth, and shared interests.

"In spite of the challenges we face, the future of our region will be bright as we stand true to our pledge to shape the future through Asia-Pacific partnership, with a view to fulfilling our goals of common development, prosperity, and progress," the statement said.

It also highlighted the role of the FTAAP as the main force to promote regional integration, and welcomed the progress in implementing the APEC Connectivity Blueprint for 2015-2025.

Emphasizing that APEC should take the lead in inclusive development in the Asia-Pacific region, Xi urged all the members to stick to fair, open, comprehensive and innovative development and focus on helping developing member economies carry out personnel training and increase input in public welfare sectors.

Xi also called for concerted action in dealing with poverty, stressing that trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, as well as connectivity building, should benefit those living in poverty.

The Chinese president also suggested that efforts be made to improve both the quality and the benefits of development and advance green and low-carbon development.

China, Xi said, is willing to work with other countries to reach an ambitious agreement at the upcoming Paris climate conference under the principles of common but differentiated responsibilities, fairness and respective capabilities.

The Chinese president arrived in Manila on Tuesday to attend the APEC meeting.

The Asia-Pacific is vital to global peace and development. It accounts for 40 percent of world population, 48 percent of world trade and 57 percent of global output.