Chinese Vice Premier Huang Ju on Wednesday called for Asia-Pacific cities to adopt new models of urban development in a bid to achieve harmony between people and nature.

In his keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the fifth Asia-Pacific Cities Summit, Huang said that the challenges and opportunities of the new century should prompt all countries and cities to adopt strategies that promote comprehensive, coordinated and sustainable development.

Huang said the Asia-Pacific cities should understand and respect diverse cultures and development models and learn from each other's urban development experience.

Economic and technological exchanges and cooperation among cities in the Asia-Pacific region should be expanded to accomplish common development and prosperity. Priority should be given to the rational tapping and utilization of resources in a bid to build up a conservation-oriented model of city development, said Huang.

Huang said the cities should intensify efforts that reflect the need for environmental protection in every aspect of urban planning, construction and management so as to create a sound environment for city dwellers.

He also called for attention to social security, public health and food safety and the elimination of urban poverty.

The vice premier briefed the meeting on Chinese achievements in urban construction and development. He stressed that Chinese cities should stick to the path of gaining strength through economic and social development, making further development via reform and opening-up and should adhere to an urbanization approach with Chinese characteristics.

Besides, Chinese cities should pursue scientific innovation and sustainable development, said Huang.

Xu Jialu, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, was also present at the opening ceremony.

About 102 overseas cities from 39 countries and regions signed up for this year's summit to exchange views on coordinated development between homo sapiens, nature and cities.

The summit, first held in 1996 in Australia, serves as a platform for Asia-Pacific cities to conduct exchanges, hold dialogue and promote friendship, bilateral and multi-lateral exchanges in the economic, trade and cultural fields.

Source: Xinhua