"Only with proper co-ordination can development be long-lasting," he said during the 11th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, according to a Foreign Ministry spokesman.

Hu said member economies should push for scientific progress and technological innovation, which are of vital importance for sustained economic development.

China has proposed the Initiative of Innovative APEC, expecting certain guiding principles for the region's scientific and technological innovation.

It plans to hold a high-level workshop in Beijing in February to discuss the issue of science and technology intermediary.

"While pushing for economic growth, we should work hard to promote the co-ordinated development of the economy and society, and of cities and rural areas, and promote a harmonious co-existence between man and nature so as to rest development on a more solid foundation," Hu said.

He proposed that APEC reinforce its social development links, in particular in relation to public health, job creation and social security.

Hu said stability is a prerequisite for development and APEC members should enhance mutual trust and endeavour to try and achieve the goal.

He also suggested that the 21 APEC members should step up the mutual opening up of markets and improve the multilateral trading system.

Hu said the world's multilateral trading system is currently facing new challenges -- mainly in the form of rising protectionism, new trade barriers and frequent trade friction. They have combined to create difficulties, particularly for developing countries, in relation to their development, in addition to hampering global economic recovery and growth.

APEC members should renew their commitment to the Bogor Goals and at the same time work together to reject trade protectionism, remove trade barriers and resolve any trade disputes, he added.

The Bogor Goals are a push to achieve free and open trade and investment for developed economies by 2010, and for developing economies by 2020.

Talking about the failure of last month's Fifth World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference, Hu said the main reason for the unsatisfactory outcome was because the negotiations were not balanced enough to reflect the interests of all parties, particularly the concerns of developing countries.

"I hope all groups will demonstrate their political will, take a flexible and pragmatic approach and move ahead the new round of talks to achieve early fruition," he said.

The president also revealed his ideas for APEC reform.

Hu said the APEC approach, which features respect for differences, equality, mutual benefit, voluntarism and consensus, should be upheld.

And he said the bloc should gear its co-operation more towards business communities and the general public.

"The APEC Business Travel Card Scheme, which is well-received in business communities, shows what APEC can accomplish if it really wants to be of help," Hu said.

It is aimed at helping business people move more easily within the APEC bloc. The Chinese Government will formally implement the scheme next month.

Hu said APEC should embrace reform and innovation by adapting itself to changing circumstances.

It should also conduct necessary reform and readjustments and strive to become more relevant.

(China Daily October 21, 2003)