Third, we should go after mutual benefit and win-win result. Here lies the effective way for Asia's sound and sustainable development. In recent years, Asian countries have deepened their practical cooperation of various types through fruitful cooperation programs in Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Northeast Asia and South Asia. Intra-Asian trade has accounted for over half of Asian countries' total foreign trade, allowing them to reap handsome dividends for development. Under the new circumstances, Asian countries need to further enhance their consultation and cooperation, promote trade liberalization and investment facilitation, oppose all forms of protectionism, upgrade the connectivity and networks of transport, communication and energy infrastructure, deepen regional and sub-regional cooperation, and work to promote common development between Asia and the rest of the world. Openness and cooperation benefits all and leads to win-win progress.

Fourth, we should advocate solidarity and harmony. Here lies the strong guarantee for Asia's sound and sustainable development. Given the Asian countries' differences in social system and development model and diversity in ethnic structure and cultural heritage, solidarity and mutual assistance in Asia is of particular importance. A peaceful, united and harmonious Asia requires that we continue working together like passengers traveling in the same boat and make concerted efforts to respond to the impact of financial and economic crises, mitigate major natural disasters and address development bottlenecks. We are also required to place greater importance on social equity and justice while pursuing economic development, give greater help to underdeveloped areas and distressed groups and ensure that people of all countries can share the fruits of development.

Fifth, we should stay committed to peaceful development. Here lies the vital cornerstone for Asia's sound and sustainable development. Asia's success in development is largely attributable to the overall peace and stability the region has enjoyed over the years. With ongoing economic globalization and the changing international system, Asia and the countries in the region should and must achieve their growth and prosperity through peace and cooperation. Countries will have their fundamental and long-term interests served if they view their relations with each other from a strategic perspective, seek common ground while reserving differences and seek the maximum convergence of interests. As long as the parties concerned proceed from the larger picture of friendly relations among Asian countries and the development of Asia as a whole, respect history, and abide by the basic norms governing international relations, we will be able to solve our problems through dialogue, consultation and peaceful negotiation, be it issues left over from history or differences and disputes of the day. It will be a blessing for both Asia and the world.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As a member of the Asian family, China is closely interdependent with Asia economically. A China that is committed to scientific development, which features comprehensive, coordinated and sustainable economic and social development, will contribute to a sound and sustainable development in Asia. In recent years, China's economy has grown in line with macro-economic management. The economic growth has been fairly fast and people's lives have been improved. The fundamentals of China's economy are sound. The country has not changed its course of development and is capable of maintaining long-term, steady and fairly fast development.