Honorable Vice Governor Hua Jianhui,
Honorable Secretary Zheng Weiwen,
Distinguished Experts,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am very glad to attend International Seminar on “10+3”East Asia FTA. Here, I would like, on behalf of the Ministry of Commerce of China, to extend my warm welcome to all the guests present today. Different from past seminars always held in Beijing or coastal cities, this seminar is held in Ma’anshan, Anhui Province, with which are not familiar by some representatives of ASEAN, Japan and ROK. However, I believe that you have felt the enthusiasm and vigor of Ma’anshan and you will love it.

Currently, GDP of all economies in East Asia accounted for about 20% of all worldwide, trade value accounted for 31%. According to the forecast from the World Bank, the economy of the world in 2011 will increase by 4%, of which, economy of developed countries and Asian emerging countries will increase by 2% and 8% respectively. In other words, Asia has become one of the main forces to boost the economic growth of the world.

To establish East Asia FTA is in line with common interests of all countries. Since 2004 when leaders from the “10+3” countries proposed to establish East Asia FTA, experts from the 13 counties has studies on it over 5 years and found that the East Asia would increase GDP of all countries in the region by 3.6% overall, with the economic benefits increasing US$104.6 billion, of which, GDP of ASEAN 10 member countries increases by 3.6% and that of China, Japan and ROK enjoys an average growth of 0.9%. The study suggested that the negotiation on East Asia FTA should be launched before 2012.

To establish East Asia FTA has sound conditions and base. In past 7 years, the mutual depending and cooperation among the 13 countries was further deepened and the process of economic integration was made significant progress. At present, regional trade has taken a share of over a half of total.

Since 2004, it has been put forward to promote the establishment of East Asia FTA in every 10+3 Leaders Conference. In 2010, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao proposed to accelerate to establish East Asia FTA again and demonstrated that China is willing to coordinate with others to formulate detailed measures on liberalization and facilitation of regional trade and investment. Besides, Premier Wen announced to invest another US$1 million for 10+3 cooperation for the establishment. As for it, I would like to share my opinions with you: Firstly, accelerate the process of establishment. Secondly, persist in bringing ASEAN into full play. Thirdly, gradually promote the establishment based on the different development situations of countries in East Asia.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The year 2011 is the first year of the second decade of 21st century. It is also a crucial year for East Asia and the whole year to promote the economic recovery and development as well as growth mode. China, as an active participant in regional economic integration, is willing to deepen cooperation and meet challenges for common development by joint efforts.

Finally, I would like to appreciate the great efforts made in this seminar by the People’s government of Ma’anshan and supports provided by Asian Development Bank.

Wish the seminar a complete success!

Thank you.