APEC leaders pledge to boost free trade and security  

HANOI, Nov 19 (TNA) – Government leaders of all 21 member countries of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) pledged here today to promote investment, free trade and enhance security to fight international terrorism.

The government leaders issued a "Hanoi Declaration" at the end of their two-day APEC Summit, held in the Vietnamese capital, that aimed to promote investment, free trade, support for a resumption of the Doha Round of trade liberalisation talks under the World Trade Organisation, and a transparency on free trade area (FTA) agreements which could help reduce costs on trade between countries.

They reaffirmed that reviving the Doha Round of global trade talks remained a top priority of APEC.

The Doha Round of trade liberalisation talks, launched in the Qatari capital in 2001, was suspended in July this year after negotiations among six key players – the United States of America (USA), the European Union (EU), Japan, Australia, India and Brazil – broke down mainly over farm issues.

Other major point on trade issues in the "Hanoi Declaration" calls for member countries to implement measures to tackle piracy and copyright infringements.

On the security front, APEC leaders welcomed the "Bangkok Declaration" issued in 2003 on a joint fight against international terrorism, a curb on arms smuggling which threatens security in the region. They also agreed to continue collaboration on bird flu and attached importance to AIDS disease.

The "Hanoi Declaration" also instructed APEC ministers to report back at next year's meeting in Australia on policies to promote cleaner energy and improved energy efficiency, as well as encouragement for energy policies that reduce or remove market distortions and enhance energy security.

APEC leaders also welcomed the "Hanoi Declaration" on promoting tourism.

In 2007 the APEC summit is scheduled to take place in Australia.

TNA