ABSTRACT
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum is well on its way to achieving its goal of free and open trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific region. Optimism grew following the success of the Osaka meeting in November 1995. China has played an active role in the activities of APEC since it became a member in 1991. China wants the actions of APEC to take fully into account the divergent conditions of member economies, particularly the different stages of economic development and sociopolitical systems. Rapid economic growth has been associated with trade growth, and trade growth has been associated with unilateral and nondiscriminatory trade and investment liberalization. These trends are clearly in accordance with the goals of APEC. The Chinese economy is highly integrated with the other Asia-Pacific economies. To keep pace with APEC members, China will actively join in the efforts to liberalize and facilitate trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific region.
