SHANGHAI, July 3 (Xinhua) -- Countries in the Asia-Pacific region should work together to promote regional economic integration and safeguard the multilateral trade mechanism, experts said Wednesday at a seminar in Shanghai.
With the theme of "A New Era of Future-Oriented Asia-Pacific Cooperation," the seminar brought together more than 350 officials and experts from home and abroad.
"China has always advocated and engaged in Asia-Pacific cooperation, and has made important contributions to promoting Asia-Pacific economic cooperation and development," said Dong Yunhu, chairman of the Shanghai municipal committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.
Dong called on countries in the region to further open up and share development opportunities, so as to achieve win-win cooperation and continue to lead the global economic growth.
Yang Chonghui, vice chairman of China Economic and Social Council, expressed concerns about growing uncertainties and instabilities in the world economy.
"Under the new economic conditions, we must firmly uphold multilateralism and deepen our partnerships," said Yang. "We should also build an open economy and promote inclusive development."
Shang Yuying, deputy secretary general of the Shanghai municipal government, said that as China's largest economic center, Shanghai plays a pivotal role in promoting economic and trade cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.
Shanghai will take the opportunities of hosting the China International Import Expo and building a free trade zone to further open up its market and attract more foreign investment, Shang said.
Shanghai consulates of ten countries, including the United States, Singapore, Russia and the Republic of Korea, also sent officials to the seminar.
