A United Nations forum on globalization and regional economic and social development has opened in Shanghai. Ministers from 62 members and associate members of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, or ESCAP, are attending the forum. The theme is "Meeting challenges in an era of globalization -- by strengthening regional development cooperation". Representing China is Vice President Zeng Qinghong, who spoke at the opening ceremony.

The Chinese vice-president called on ESCAP members to encourage mutual trust in protecting regional peace and stability. He also called for deeper regional cooperation in further opening the region to the outside world, while safeguarding global diversity.

Referring to 25 years of rapid development in China, Zeng Qinghong said the country's economy is closely linked to the development of the Asia Pacific region as a whole.

Zeng Qinghong said , "China will make the promotion of the region's development and prosperity its top priority. China hopes to strengthen regional cooperation with ESCAP members, and to make more contributions in the region."

In his address,Kim Hak-Su,the executive secretary of ESCAP, read a note of congratulations from UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing is chairman of the ministerial level meeting, and presided over the opening ceremony.

A number of former leaders from the Asian-Pacific region are also attending meetings on the sidelines of the event. They include former Chinese Vice Premier Qian Qichen.

As host of the meeting, China has proposed a draft resolution calling for greater coordination in the field of public health. In particular, the government hopes that ESCAP can increase the level of cooperation in eliminating regional poverty, and the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Source: CCTV News