SUPPORTING MULTILATERAL TRADING SYSTEM TO ACHIEVE COMMON DEVELOPMENT

    Maintaining order in global trade is in the interest of both Asia and Europe, Wen said.

    "Suspension of the Doha Round (talks under the World Trade Organization) is in no one's interests," he said.

    He called on the major developed countries to show their political will and demonstrate greater flexibility in cutting agricultural subsidies and tariffs to create conditions for resuming the talks.

    As Asian and European economies enjoy respective strengths and complement each other, all ASEM members should fight protectionism, properly handle trade disputes, refrain from politicizing trade issues, improve trade and investment environment, enhance economic cooperation and realize common development, Wen said.

    ENCOURAGING BUSINESS PARTICIPATION, EXPANDING CHANNELS OF COOPERATION

    As the importance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Asian and European economies is increasing, there is a growing call for more government support, the premier said.

    "We ASEM members should enhance inter-governmental cooperation and give key support to SMEc in international exchanges," he said." We should bring into play the role of non-governmental institutions and encourage the Asia-Europe Business Forum to serve as a bridge for SME cooperation."

    He called for better public services to SMEs and expansion of channels of consultation and cooperation between governments and the business community.

    ADDRESSING NON-TRADITIONAL SECURITY ISSUES

    Communicable diseases and other non-traditional security threats greatly undermine the economic and social development of all countries, Wen said.

    He said ASEM members should take part in extensive international cooperation, promote the building of a global communicable diseases surveillance and early-warning system and further enhance the international community's capacity in early-warning and emergency response.

    "We should also support the initiatives taken by the United Nations and the World Health Organization, strengthen policy coordination and provide greater financial and technical support for developing countries," Wen said.

    NARROWING URBAN-RURAL GAP FOR BALANCED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

    Underdevelopment in rural areas is a problem in quite a number of Asian and European countries, Wen said.

    "We ASEM members should formulate comprehensive strategies for rural development in light of their national conditions to meet targets set for the Millennium Development Goals," he said.

    Wen urged developed countries to adopt measure more favorable to developing countries in agricultural trade policies.

    "China also proposes to host the ASEM Forum on Rural Development at an appropriate time to share experience in achieving coordinated development between urban and rural areas," he said.

    At the end of the speech, Wen elaborated China's policy on economy, defense and anti-terrorism, pledging that China will continue to develop friendly relations and cooperation with our Asian and European partners and other countries in the world and work with them to build "a world of harmony, durable peace and common prosperity."

    Wen arrived in Helsinki on Saturday for the two-day summit, which also marks ASEM's 10th anniversary and has gathered heads of state or government from 13 Asian countries and 25 member states of the European Union. Enditem