President Xi Jinping outlines plan for a sustainable Asia-Pacific

Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward a three-point proposition for forging a sustainable and brighter future together during his speech at the second session of the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Gyeongju, the Republic of Korea, on Saturday.

"First, we should further unleash the potential of digital and smart development to give the Asia-Pacific region a fresh edge in innovation-driven development," Xi said.

Noting that China has proposed the establishment of a World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization, Xi said the country is ready to work with all APEC members to enhance AI literacy and bridge the digital and AI divide in the Asia-Pacific region.

Xi called on APEC members to stay committed to green and low-carbon development to build a new paradigm for sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region.

Noting that China has funded the establishment of the APEC Support Fund – Sub-fund on Promoting Digitalization for Green Transitions, Xi said China will continue to implement relevant initiatives on clean energy and green transition.

The Chinese president also called for joint efforts to build an inclusive and universally beneficial future to foster a new dynamism in the inclusive growth of the Asia-Pacific.

"We should fully leverage APEC's traditional strength in economic and technical cooperation, encourage Asia-Pacific economies to take the lead in piloting the World Trade Organization's Agreement on Electronic Commerce, and deepen cooperation in such areas as SMEs, human resources, food security, energy transition and health to facilitate balanced growth in developing economies," Xi said.

(With input from Xinhua)

(Cover via VCG)