China's trade with members of Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) surged 21 percent from last year to reach US$835.5 billion in the first nine months of this year, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said on Wednesday.

"Trade ties between China and APEC have become closer and closer in recent years", the ministry's spokesperson Chong Quan said at a press conference.

APEC has become a major trade partner for China, with trade between the two parties standing at US$960.8 billion in 2005.

Eight of China's top ten trade partners are APEC members. They include the United States, Japan, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Hong Kong region, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan province, Russia and Australia.

APEC also accounted for 71 percent of contracted overseas investment in China in 2005.

Chong said China was ready to work with APEC members for further liberalization and facilitation of trade and strengthening of economic and technological cooperation.

APEC is expected to hold its 14th informal meeting in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, from Nov. 17 to 19. Chinese President Hu Jintao left Beijing for the summit on Wednesday.

(Xinhua News Agency November 16, 2006)