Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao revealed that economic and trade development in the Asia-Pacific region continues to face many disruptions and challenges.
Wang's remarks came during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conference in Detroit, where he met with several leaders to exchange views on bilateral and multilateral economic and trade issues amid trade divisions and global uncertainty.
He acknowledged the difficulties facing the region but added that "China, as a major developing country, is ready to make its due contributions."
According to a statement from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, Wang noted that "the Asia-Pacific region is always the most dynamic area for growth and development potential and economic resilience in the global economy, but economic and trade development still faces many disruptions and challenges."
Wang further stated that "China calls on APEC economies to continue to steadily enhance the process of regional economic integration, deepen trade and investment cooperation, and share the opportunities and benefits arising from the integrated development of regional industrial chains and supply chains."
World leaders are seeking ways to strengthen global supply chains, which remain unstable after the pandemic.
The Chinese economy is struggling to regain its strong position after strict COVID-19 policies lasting three years hampered growth. Restrictions were largely lifted in December, and the government has intensified several measures to stimulate economic expansion.
