Chinese Vice-Premier and Health Minister Wu Yi on Saturday shared China's experience of fighting SARS with ministers in charge of public health from the Asia-Pacific region, affirming the importance of international co-operation in containing the disease.

China has taken immediate and decisive measures to contain the spread of SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome), although the country was "in an awkward position" in the early days of the outbreak, Wu said in her speech at the opening ceremony of the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) Health Ministers' Meeting held here on Saturday.

She noted the World Health Organization (WHO) on June 24 lifted the travel advisory against Beijing, the last Chinese mainland city on its China list, and removed the city from the list of areas with recent local transmission.

The vice-premier summarized China's success on combating SARS as a result of taking the following measures:

* taking the infectious disease seriously and maximising the leading role of government;

* acting in accordance with law and improving the relevant legal system;

* mobilizing the general public and communities;

* relying on science and accelerating research and development;

* sharing information with other countries and expanding international co-operation.

Wu admitted the epidemic has adversely affected the development of some regions and sectors in China.

But she stressed "the fundamentals that drive China's economic growth remain intact and are functioning effectively."

"On the whole, China's economy has maintained a sound momentum of growth," said Wu.

China's GDP growth rate for the first half of the year is estimated to reach 8 per cent, while the government has "both confidence and capability to meet the target of 7 per cent annual GDP growth set at the beginning of this year," Wu said in her speech.

She affirmed the important role played by international mechanisms including APEC and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and organizations such as the WHO in the global fight against SARS, which has infected more than 8,000 people and claimed 809 lives.

Wu said China will make its due contribution to the global fight against SARS and is committed to working closely with other APEC economies and making relentless efforts to defeat the disease and promote stronger economic growth in the region.

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