On the afternoon of November 14, 2010, Chinese President Hu Jintao left Yokohama, Japan for home after attending the 18th Economic Leaders' Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).
With the theme of "Change and Action," this year's Economic Leaders' Meeting from November 13 to 14 discussed the issues of regional economic integration, a growth strategy for the Asia-Pacific region, human security, economic and technical cooperation, an assessment of achievements of Bogor goals by APEC economies, APEC's future development and the Doha Round of talks. President Hu made important speeches on relevant topics at the meeting.
"We need to adapt to the changing global and regional economic situation and scientifically analyze the pressing problems and long-term requirements of world economic growth," said President Hu. He said that it is essential to study the trajectory of economic growth, explore new concepts, and transform the growth pattern to resolve difficulties and raise its quality and efficiency. "We should work hard to solve the acute problems in economic and social development, address major issues that have a bearing on the immediate interests of the people and strive for sound and fast economic development of the Asia-Pacific region at a higher level." To this end, the Chinese leader said, APEC members should promote balanced growth to create conditions for long-term economic development, advocate inclusive growth to boost the internal dynamism of economic development, bolster sustainable growth to strive for long-term economic development, encourage innovative growth to provide impetus for economic development and ensure secure growth to protect the results of economic development.
On the morning of November 13, the Chinese president delivered a speech entitled Towards Common Development and Shared Prosperity at the APEC CEO summit. Hu pointed out that Asia-Pacific emerging markets have made important contribution to world development and will continue to offer enormous development opportunities; Asia-Pacific emerging markets still face many daunting challenges despite their rapid development; Asia-Pacific emerging markets have actively responded to global challenges and the international responsibilities they undertake should be commensurate with their development stage; the international community should improve the international economic and financial systems and create an enabling environment for the common development of emerging markets and all other countries.
On the afternoon of the same day, Hu participated in the dialogue between APEC leaders and representatives of the APEC Business Advisory Council. He exchanged ideas with the representatives on such issues as Asia Pacific Free Trade Area, development of small and medium-sized enterprises, food security and energy security.
The Chinese president attended the fifth summit of the Group of 20 in Seoul before traveling to Yokohama.
At the G20 Seoul summit, President Hu delivered a speech entitled Build on Achievements and Promote Development, raising a five-point proposal to achieve strong, sustainable and balanced growth of the world economy. First, improve the Framework for Strong, Sustainable and Balanced Growth and promote cooperative development. Second, champion open trade and promote coordinated development. Third, reform the financial system and promote stable development. Fourth, narrow the development gap and promote balanced development.
"We must adopt an attitude responsible to history and the future, bear in mind the common interests of mankind, build on what we have already achieved and continue to work in concert for strong, sustainable and balanced growth of the world economy," said Hu.