China for common development of Asia-Pacific region

Hanoi -- Chinese President Hu Jintao is expected to propose common development of the Asia-Pacific region at the 14th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum that began in Hanoi, Chinese foreign ministry officials said Saturday.

Hu will focus on economic and technological cooperation and common development in the region, officials said.

The APEC conference, based on the theme "Towards a dynamic community for sustainable development and prosperity", will focus on a variety of issues including support for the Doha Round of trade negotiations, regional trade arrangements, anti-terrorism strategies, energy, health and APEC reform.

APEC is the premier forum for facilitating economic growth, cooperation, trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific region.

Established in 1989, APEC accounts for more than one third of the world's population, approximately 60 percent of the global gross domestic product (GDP) and about 47 percent of international trade.