(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-09-03 11:57

Senior officials from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member economies have suggested all-round efforts be made to move the Doha Round process forward during their annual meeting.

A sign is pictured at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Finance Ministers Meeting in Coolum August 3, 2007. [Reuters]

The APEC members hold that it is important for the World Trade Organization (WTO) to conclude the Doha Round negotiation early, David Spencer, Australia's ambassador to APEC and chair of the APEC Concluding Senior Officials Meeting, said in Sydney Monday.

Briefing the reporters on the progress of the two-day meeting, which started Sunday, Spencer said the officials are working for the agenda for APEC's Ministerial Meeting slated for September 5-6, and the Economic Leaders Meeting for September 8-9.

The officials' discussions also focused on regional economic integration, human security, APEC reform and climate change, he said.

On the regional economic integration, Spencer said the officials held that such integration should be strengthened. They have prepared a report and made some suggestions on the subject for the ministerial and the leaders meetings.

About human security, the officials discussed health issues, stressing the importance of prevention and preparation against such disease as bird flu.

For the APEC reform, the officials said the group needs structural reform and suggested official meetings and dialogues in next year to push the reform forward.

The officials also discussed in a general way the climate change issue, he said, adding that experts will come in the next couple of days to deal with the issue.