The 66th Commission Session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) on the theme of supportive financial system and green growth for achieving the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) opened in Incheon, Republic of Korea on May 17, 2010. Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin headed the Chinese delegation to the meeting.

In the general debate, Liu pointed out that it is the critical moment at present for the economic recovery of Asia and the Pacific and the Chinese side proposes the following propositions in order to achieve the inclusive and sustainable economic and social development in the region: first, continue to consolidate the foundation of economic recovery. Countries in the region should strengthen coordination on the macroeconomic policy and firmly oppose and resist any form of protectionism; second, try to achieve the balanced regional development. The international community, especially developed countries should fulfill their commitment to helping developing members of Asia and the Pacific realize sustainable growth; third, advance all-round social progress. Efforts should be made to promote progress in all areas of society in an integrated, comprehensive and coordinated manner, reinforce the social security system and make the fruits of economic development benefit all people.

Liu introduced China’s economic situation and policy. He noted that China’s efforts of maintaining stable and relatively fast economic growth have helped promote world economic recovery. China honors its commitment to the UN Millennium Declaration and has made due contributions to the international community’s efforts of achieving the MDGs. China actively advocates and participates in the cooperation in Asia and the Pacific and accelerates the implementation of free trade zone strategy to boost regional economic integration. Even when China itself was hit by the financial crisis, it still supported the coming into effect of Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralization Agreement and played an important role to promoting the stable development of the regional and the world economy. China is willing to strengthen cooperation with countries in Asia and the Pacific and make greater contributions to realize the inclusive and sustainable growth in the region.

Liu also attended the ministerial round table and made remarks on such topics as the UN MDGs, reform of the international financial system and green growth. He said that countries in Asia and the Pacific should enhance cooperation and jointly push for the building of a fair, just, inclusive and orderly international financial system. To maintain the sound momentum of economic development and continue to boost world economic growth, Asia and the Pacific must follow the path of green growth. Liu introduced the achievements of the Chinese government in implementing the scientific concept of development, accelerating change of the economic growth mode and restructuring and developing green energy.

On the same day, Liu met with Executive Secretary of ESCAP Noeleen Heyzer. Both sides exchanged views on the current Asia and the Pacific regional situation and the cooperation between China and ESCAP.

The 66th Commission Session of ESCAP was held from May 13 to 19, including a senior officials segment from May 13-15 and a ministerial segment from May 17-19, 2010. Leaders, ministerial officials and their representatives from 53 members and 9 associate members of ESCAP attended the meeting.