Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Friday suggested APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) leaders draw a blueprint for the post-crisis economic development, Xinhua reported.
In an article entitled "APEC: Toward a Stable, Safe and Prosperous Community", the Russian head of state said, although the world had not left all its economic difficulties behind, the APEC economic leaders' meeting would nonetheless examine optimum models for APEC's economic development after the current economic crisis.
"I think this is a far-sighted and effective decision, for we need to prepare in advance for the next stage in global economic growth," said the article published by the Kremlin website early Friday.
Medvedev said he shared the view with other APEC leaders that economic growth should be not only sustainable but also universal.
"We need to bring growth to all countries and all economic sectors, and bring its fruits to all members of society, above all the most vulnerable groups -- children and the elderly, unemployed people, and people with disabilities," he said.
He also said he shared "the predominant view in APEC on protectionism in global trade," as "this kind of state support should be targeted and is only a temporary measure."
"Each country makes a priority of supporting its own producers of course, but excessive protectionist barriers that create hothouse conditions for unprofitable businesses run counter to the principles of free competition and ultimately do more harm than good to a country's business development," said the article.
According to Medvedev, APEC has now established itself as a "powerful engine" for integration in the Asia-Pacific region, and an "independent and crucially important factor" in the global economy and politics over the past 20 years.
Russia was ready to join the continued regional economic integration, and would continue to build up cooperation on guaranteeing food, energy, transport, environmental and information security in the APEC region, the president said. Enditem