President Hu returns home after APEC meeting

VLADIVOSTOK - President Hu Jintao left?Vladivostok for home Sunday, after attending the annual Economic Leaders' Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in this Russian Far East city.

At the two-day meeting, Hu and leaders of other APEC members exchanged views on trade and investment liberalization, regional economic integration, food security and the establishment of reliable supply chains, as well as cooperation to foster innovative growth.

Hu told the meeting that China wishes to take the hosting of the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in 2014 as an opportunity to deepen cooperation with other APEC members and make fresh and even greater contribution to the development, prosperity and people's well-being in the Asia-Pacific and beyond.

Referring to trade and investment liberalization and regional economic integration, the Chinese leader said APEC members should follow the spirit of the Bogor Goals and move forward on trade and investment liberalization and facilitation with Bogor at its core.

The Bogor Declaration adopted by APEC leaders in 1994 sets the goals of achieving trade and investment liberalization and facilitation by 2010 for developed economies and by 2020 for developing ones.

On the establishment of reliable supply chains, Hu called on the APEC members to scale up investment in infrastructure, and enhance connectivity and network building in the region.

Hu also presented China's views on how to promote world and regional economic growth, and elaborated on China's stance on food security and innovative growth.

Delivering a keynote speech at the APEC CEO summit Friday, the Chinese leader said the global economy had reached a critical juncture, and the region faced the arduous task of overcoming major difficulties in order to achieve full recovery and sustained growth.

"China welcomes the Asia-Pacific business community to get involved in China's reform, opening-up and modernization and share the opportunities and benefits of China's development," he said.

On the sidelines of the APEC meeting, Hu met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and leaders or representatives of other APEC members.