KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 (Xinhua) -- South Korea said here on Monday that Asian countries, with solid economic fundamentals, should move ahead to meet the challenges including rising oil and food prices as well as finance uncertainties.

    Ahn Ho-young, deputy trade minister of South Korea, made the call when he delivered the closing remarks at the 17th World Economic Forum on East Asia which ended here on Monday.

    Asian countries had adapted their economies to the globalization by embracing the market economy, Ahn said.

    In particular, the developing countries in this region had reached a miracle growth rate of 8.2 percent, he said, describing this as a remarkable record.

    East Asian countries had also made notable progress in meeting the various Millennium Development Goals, he said at the end of the forum themed "Responding to New Uncertainty".

    Despite the growing concerns over uncertainties, Asian countries should and must move ahead to meet those challenges, which also include such environment issues as water shortage, he said.

    In this respect, Ahn urged Asian nations to do three things.

    "First, it is important for Asian countries to maintain their open market policies which will enable us to maintain the momentum of economic growth," he said.

    He believed that constructive consultations at a global level will help improve market efficiency and strengthen Asian countries' competitiveness.

    Second, he urged Asian countries to pay more attention to the economic and social impacts imposed by the global economic uncertainties, which he said could undermine Asian countries' solid fundamentals or the economic growth in Asia.

    Third, he said, Asia must enhance its leadership on Asia agenda in the world economic communities, urging Asian countries to take more responsibility to increase their competitiveness and influence on the world economic communities.

    "Asian countries should and must play a more active role in solving global issues, " the South Korean trade official said, calling for more Asian participation in the G8 process.

    He said that he was glad that Japan has invited South Korea, Indonesia and Australia to be present at the G8 Summit to be held in Japan this year.

    Ahn also stressed that South Korea strongly supported the unique framework of the World Economic Forum, describing it as a platform for government and business leaders to discuss those pressing economic issues facing the world.

    The 17th World Economic Forum on East Asia started here on Sunday. The next forum gathering will be in South Korea.