'Beijing Agenda' can propel APEC forward

The 2015 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders' Week hosted by the Philippines began in Manila on Friday. [Photo/IC]

The theme of the 2015 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in Manila next week will be "Building Inclusive Economies, Building a Better World", which not only reflects the realities of the region but is also in accordance with the common wishes of Asia-Pacific economies. "Inclusiveness" is a prerequisite to cooperation and common development, as well as a guarantee for equal partnership, and all three are needed to build "a better world".

Last year, at their Beijing meeting, APEC leaders issued a joint declaration on an "Integrated, Innovative and Interconnected Asia-Pacific", and shaped the "Beijing Agenda" for Asia-Pacific Free Trade Area.

The 2014 meeting also agreed on economic innovation, reform, growth, and an interconnectivity blueprint, which shows the cooperation bloc has been progressing to meet the demand of the times. In fact, the move was another APEC milestone after the 1994 Bogor Goals, which promoted convenient and free trade and investment. Just like the 1996 APEC meeting opened up new vistas by discussing in detail ways to realize the Bogor Goals, this year's APEC meeting is expected to chart a new avenue by inheriting the spirit of the "Beijing Agenda".