Business trip: Chief Executive Donald Tsang arrives in Busan for the 13th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting.

Chief Executive Donald Tsang says the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation Economic Leaders' Meeting is an opportunity for leaders to inject strong political impetus to bring a forward looking and balanced outcome to the WTO 6th Ministerial Conference.

It will pave the way to a successful conclusion of the Doha round of trade negotiations in 2006, he added.

Mr Tsang arrived in Busan, South Korea, tonight to attend the 13th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting.

Free trade promotion

"Member economies made their pledge in Bogor, Indonesia, in 1994 to reach free and open trade and investment by 2010 for industrialised economies and by 2020 for developing economies. Since then, members have worked hard towards these goals," he said.

"Ten years have passed and a mid-term stock-take exercise just took place earlier this year. The findings have revealed that member economies are making good progress in the right direction. A roadmap is being drawn to identify further actions and expedite our endeavors towards its accomplishment."

Mr Tsang said one of the building blocks to the Bogor Goals will be a satisfactory outcome from the WTO Doha Development Agenda negotiations.

"As Hong Kong will host the 6th Ministerial Conference in December, we are keen to see the negotiations moving forward."

Bird flu co-operation

Noting the recent outbreaks of avian influenza in poultry across Europe and Asia had aroused concern, Mr Tsang said strengthened co-operation through the collective measures of APEC will greatly enhance regional preparedness for and capability to combat the disease.

During his four-day stay in Busan, Mr Tsang will hold meetings with other economic leaders. Tomorrow, he will attend the APEC CEO Summit at which President Hu Jintao will deliver a keynote speech.