The leaders of the 21 APEC member economies concluded the 2016 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Lima on Sunday by adopting a declaration on quality growth and sustainable development.

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a speech titled “Forge ahead into the future for progress and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific” in Sunday’s first session.

Facing difficulties including global and regional economic slowdowns, Xi called for APEC members to stay committed to economic globalization, openness, connectivity and innovation.

Instead of coming to a stop because of the temporary difficulties, APEC members need to consolidate their involvement in globalization.

 “At this crucial stage of Asia-Pacific development, all members need to work together for win-win outcomes, oppose all forms of protectionism and inject positive energy into economic globalization. We need to make it clear to the world with action that the commitment of the Asia-Pacific to economic globalization is unchanged and its confidence undiminished,” Xi said.

Openness is the driving force for growth in the Asia-Pacific, and APEC members should support the multilateral trading regime, prioritize trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, and reinvigorate trade and investment. 

After two years of work, APEC members have now jointly completed a feasibility study on a proposed Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP).

Xi urged, “We need to stick to our agenda and take more effective actions to realize the FTAAP at an early date, thus bringing about an Asia-Pacific economy with greater openness.”

According to traditional Chinese medicine, pain is relieved with improved blood circulation. Connectivity, or regional infrastructure and trade, will ensure that flow of blood in the Asia-Pacific economy. 

Xi called on APEC members to take more collective and individual actions to implement the Connectivity Blueprint for 2015-2025 adopted in Beijing and promote connectivity in infrastructure, institutions and personnel flows. 

China is making progress with the Belt and Road Initiative. Featuring extensive consultation, joint participation and shared benefits among partners in the region, this initiative will contribute to enhanced connectivity in the Asia-Pacific. Chinese leaders including Xi have promised that China seek partnerships and synergy in development strategies with other parties so as to realize common development.

Reform and innovation is vital for sustained prosperity.

“We need to implement the Services Competitiveness Roadmap and deepen cooperation in the service sector to make up for long-standing inadequacy. We need to seize opportunities in the new technological and industrial revolution and develop new growth areas in the internet and digital economy, blue economy and green economy,” according to Xi.

Xi gave another speech on sustainable development during Session II of the meeting. 

He urged APEC members to work together for sustainable, inclusive and green development and enable people to share the fruits of greater prosperity. 

All members need to speed up the construction of interconnection. According to Xi, China has taken the lead in issuing the program for implementation of the 2030 sustainable development agenda, and will implement a development concept based on innovation, coordination, environmentally friendly credentials, openness and sharing.

Xi also met with Leung Chun-ying, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), and briefly talked with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the sidelines of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting.

Xi told Leung that the Chinese central government appreciated his and the HKSAR government’s work, backing the regional authorities after a turbulent period in which protestors and pro-independence lawmakers-elect have challenged the stability of Hong Kong. Xi urged Leung to lead the HKSAR government in resolutely safeguarding national unity and maintaining social and political order.

In a brief talk with Abe at the Japanese President’s invitation, Xi clarified China's stance on developing its relationship with Japan.