Distinguished Colleagues,

It is a great pleasure for me to come to Bangkok and join you in this APEC meeting.Let me begin by expressing my sincere thanks to Prime Minister Thaksin and the Government of Thailand for the thoughtful arrangements in putting this event together.

The international situation has been undergoing profound changes. Peace and development remain the dominant themes of our times and the popular aspirations of people of all lands. But the world we live in is anything but tranquil.Uncertainties that impede peace and development still exist. Local conflicts continue to pose threats to the security and stability of regions and the world as a whole. Non-traditional security concerns such as terrorism and trans-boundary crimes are quite pronounced.Over the past year, the global economy has rebounded somewhat. But burdened by cyclical and structural factors, the recovery is rather slow-paced. It is gratifying to know that our Asia-Pacific region has maintained a sound momentum of economic growth with a positive prospect of further expansion.

Apart from reviewing the past, we should, more importantly, look to the future and come up with new ideas and new initiatives for jointly promoting economic development in the Asia-Pacific and the whole world and for strengthening cooperation among APEC members.In this connection, I would like to offer three propositions.

First, we should enhance mutual trust and endeavor to make the Asia-Pacific region stable. Stability is a prerequisite for development. The reason why this region has kept the high growth momentum for decades is because it has basically maintained an environment of peace and stability. We should cherish particularly this peaceful and stable situation that has not come by easily. The Asia-Pacific is a region of rich diversity. Countries are different in history, cultural tradition, political system and economic model, which gives the region its very vigor and vitality. We should increase mutual trust on the basis of mutual respect, seek common ground while putting aside differences, and work to resolve whatever problems there might be through dialogue and consultation in a joint effort to maintain peace and stability in the region. For some time, terrorist attacks have gone on unabated in the Asia-Pacific region, undermining the economic and social development of a number of countries. We should respond to that with closer cooperation and stronger measures to address both the symptoms and root causes of the problem, stand rock firm against terrorism and create a more favorable environment for common development and common prosperity.

Second, we should take effective measures to strike a balance between economic and social development. Only with proper coordination can development be long-lasting. Countries in this region should promote regional growth as well as global economic recovery by opting for appropriate macro-economic policies and measures suited to their own conditions. Scientific progress and technological innovation are of vital importance to sustained economic development. To facilitate APEC cooperation in this field,Chinahas proposed the Initiative of Innovative APEC in the hope that certain guiding principles could be formulated for the region's scientific and technological innovation. As a kick-off project, we plan to hold a high-level workshop in February 2004 inBeijingto discuss the issue of science and technology intermediary. All members are welcome to send their representatives when the workshop meets. While pushing for economic growth, we should work hard to promote a coordinated development of the economy and society, and of cities and rural areas, and a harmonious coexistence between man and nature so as to rest development on a more solid basis. We propose that APEC reinforce its operations in the field of social development, and in particular, in promoting APEC exchanges in public health, job creation and social security. To promote such cooperation,Chinaplans to sponsor some functions next year on labor and social security.

Third, we should step up mutual opening of markets and improve the multilateral trading system. The world's multilateral trading system is currently facing new challenges mainly in the form of rising protectionism, new trade barriers and frequent trade frictions. This has worsened the difficulties for countries, the developing countries in particular, in their development and hampers global economic recovery and growth. Given such a situation, APEC members should renew their commitment to the Bogor Goals, and at the same time, work together to reject trade protectionism, remove trade barriers and resolve whatever trade disputes they have through dialogues and consultations. A fair and open multilateral trading system serves steady growth of trade at both regional and international levels, contributes to sound economic expansion around the world and conforms with the interests of all parties The 5thWTO Ministerial Conference last month failed to achieve the anticipated progress. The main reason was that the negotiations were not balanced enough to reflect the interests of all parties, particularly the concerns of the developing countries. I hope all parties will demonstrate their political will, take a flexible and pragmatic approach and move ahead the new round of talks to an early fruition. This, in my view, serves the common interests of all.

As the region's important forum for economic cooperation, APEC has done much work and achieved much success in promoting common development. The annual meetings of economic leaders have provided an important venue for leaders to meet regularly and hold in-depth discussions on important issues bearing on regional and global development. Chinahas all along committed itself to Asia-Pacific economic cooperation and actively participated in APEC activities. The new Chinese government will, as always, support and facilitate the APEC process and keep up its mutually beneficial cooperation with other members.

Along with the changes in the regional and international situation, people are thinking more and more about APEC's own future. I believe the following points need to be taken into account in APEC's future development.

---- The APEC approach, which features respect for differences, equality, mutual benefit, voluntarism and consensus, should be upheld. Facts have proved that such an approach represents an effective vehicle and a right choice for regional cooperation, as it tallies with our region's diversity, accommodates the members' differing needs and helps members to balance their interests.

---- APEC should embrace reform and innovation by willingly adapting itself to changing circumstances. An organization can maintain its vigor and grow from strength to strength only when it can keep pace with the times and innovate continuously. APEC should act proactively to adapt to new situations, take on new challenges, conduct necessary reform and readjustments to itself and strive to make its activities more timely and relevant.

---- APEC should gear its multi-faceted cooperation more to the business communities and the general public. The business circle is the main force of economic development. We need to learn more about what they think and what they want and do our best to help them. The APEC Business Travel Card Scheme, which is well received in the business communities, shows what APEC can accomplish if it really wants to be of help. The Chinese government will formally implement this scheme this coming November. We have also adopted a series of trade facilitation measures in customs clearance, inspection and quarantine designed to cut down cost for businesses. APEC should also reach out to the people in our region and conduct more activities that deliver real benefit to as many of them as possible.

Distinguished Colleagues,

Although the sudden onslaught of SARS this year had a negative impact onChina's economy, with hard and persistent efforts, we have moved quickly to get the outbreak under control and sustained the sound growth momentum. We are confident that, on balance, our targets for economic and social development this year will be met. China's development will generate new opportunities for economic growth in the Asia-Pacific region and the whole world. It will offer still broader market for other countries. We will continue to strengthen our friendship and cooperation with other countries and work for peace and development in the Asia-Pacific region and the world at large. Chinawill forever be a force dedicated to world peace and common development.

As a powerful bond that brings the two sides of thePacific Oceantogether, APEC provides its members with an important stage for cooperation. Let us continue to carry forward the community spirit APEC advocates, step up our future-oriented cooperation, and dedicate ourselves to greater economic growth in the Asia-Pacific and the common development and prosperity of all members.

Thank you.

尊敬的塔信总理,各位同行：

　　很高兴来到曼谷出席本次会议。我对塔信总理和泰国政府为本次会议作出的周到安排，表示衷心的感谢。

　　当前，国际形势继续发生着深刻的变化。和平与发展仍是当今时代的主题，是各国人民的共同期盼。但我们生活的世界还不安宁，影响和平与发展的不确定因素依然存在，局部冲突威胁着全球和地区的安全稳定，恐怖主义、跨国犯罪等非传统安全问题相当突出。一年来，世界经济虽然有所复苏，但受周期性和结构性问题的影响，复苏步伐比较缓慢。值得欣慰的是，我们所在的亚太地区经济发展保持了良好势头，前景看好。

　　我们在回顾过去的同时，更应展望未来，共同为促进亚太地区和全球经济的发展，为加强成员间的合作提出新思路，探索新途径。我愿就此提出以下三点主张。

　　第一，要加强相互信任，保持亚太地区稳定。稳定是发展的前提。几十年来亚太地区之所以能保持快速发展的势头，就是因为本地区基本保持了和平稳定的环境。我们要特别珍惜亚太地区来之不易的和平稳定局面。亚太地区拥有丰富的多样性，各国有着不同的发展历史、文化传统、政治制度和经济模式，这是亚太地区富有发展活力的重要原因。我们要坚持相互尊重、增加互信、求同存异，以对话和协商的方式解决存在的问题，共同维护地区的和平稳定。一段时间以来，亚太地区恐怖活动时有发生，给一些国家的经济社会发展带来不利影响。我们应加强合作、标本兼治，坚决反对恐怖主义，为共同发展繁荣创造更有利的环境。

　　第二，要采取有效措施，促进经济社会协调发展。只有重视协调发展，才能保持发展的持久性。亚太地区各国应结合自身特点，采取适当的宏观政策措施，促进本地区的经济发展，促进全球经济的复苏。推动科技进步和创新，对实现经济的持续发展至关重要。为推动各成员在这一领域开展合作，中国提出科技创新倡议，希望就促进亚太地区科技创新制定指导原则。作为启动项目，我们将于明年2月在北京举办有关科技中介机构发展问题的高级研讨会，欢迎各成员届时派代表参加。在推动经济发展的同时，我们应积极推动经济社会协调发展、城乡协调发展、人与自然和谐发展，使发展具有更加坚实的基础。我们建议亚太经合组织加强在社会发展领域的工作，特别是要在发展公共卫生、促进就业和加强社会保障等方面开展交流。为推动这方面的合作，中国将于明年主办有关劳动和社会保障方面的活动。

　　第三，要推动相互开放市场，健全多边贸易体制。目前，全球多边贸易体制的发展面临新的挑战，主要是贸易保护主义有所抬头，新的贸易壁垒不断出现，贸易磨擦时有发生。这给各国特别是发展中国家的发展带来新的困难，也不利于全球经济的复苏和增长。针对这一情况，亚太经合组织各成员在加紧推进茂物目标的同时，应共同反对贸易保护主义，消除贸易壁垒，推动通过对话和协商解决彼此在贸易上的分歧。公平、开放的多边贸易体制有利于促进地区和全球贸易的稳定增长，有利于促进全球经济的健康发展，符合各方利益。上个月举行的世贸组织第五届部长级会议未取得预期的进展，主要原因是谈判没有平衡反映各方利益，特别是发展中国家的关切。希望各方能拿出政治意愿，采取灵活务实的态度，推动新一轮谈判早日完成。这符合大家的共同利益。

　　亚太经合组织作为本地区重要的经济合作论坛，在促进共同发展方面开展了大量工作，取得了重要成绩。一年一度的领导人非正式会议，为各成员领导人举行定期会晤，就影响地区及全球发展的重大问题进行深入讨论，提供了重要场所。中国一直致力于推动亚太经济合作，积极参与亚太经合组织的活动。新一届中国政府将一如既往地支持和推动亚太经合组织进程，并愿进一步深化同其他成员的互利合作。

　　随着地区和世界形势的变化，人们越来越多地关注亚太经合组织的未来。关于这个问题，我认为要从以下几个方面加以把握。

　　──应坚持以尊重差异、平等互利、自主自愿和协商一致为主要特点的合作方式。实践证明，这种方式符合本地区多样性的特点，照顾了各成员的不同需求，有利于各成员寻求利益平衡，是开展亚太地区合作的有效途径和正确选择。

　　──应主动适应形势变化不断改革创新。一个组织只有坚持与时俱进、不断创新，才能保持活力，不断发展壮大。亚太经合组织要主动适应新情况、迎接新挑战，对自身进行必要的调整和改革，努力提高活动的实效性。

　　──应进一步面向工商界、面向公众开展多方面的合作。工商界是经济发展的主力军。我们要更多地了解他们的愿望，倾听他们的呼声，为他们提供便利。商务旅行卡计划是亚太经合组织为工商界办实事的一个重要体现，受到工商界的普遍欢迎。中国政府将于今年11月正式开始实施这一计划。我们还在通关、检验检疫等方面采取了一系列贸易便利措施，为企业节省成本创造条件。亚太经合组织还应更多地接近本地区民众，多开展一些能让他们从中普遍获益的活动。

　　今年以来，尽管突如其来的非典疫情给中国经济发展带来了不利影响，但我们通过艰苦努力，迅速控制了疫情，保持了经济较快增长的良好势头。综合分析，今年中国经济社会发展的预期目标是有把握实现的。中国的发展将为亚太地区以及全球经济的发展带来新的机遇，也将为各国提供更加广阔的市场空间。我们将继续加强同各国的友好合作，致力于亚太地区和世界的和平与发展。中国永远是维护世界和平、促进共同发展的积极力量。

　　亚太经合组织是联系太平洋两岸的重要纽带，为各成员开展合作提供了重要舞台。让我们继续发扬亚太经合组织所倡导的大家庭精神，加强面向未来的互利合作，共同为推动亚太经济增长、实现各成员共同发展繁荣作出努力。

　　谢谢。