He said that the cooperation between "10 Plus 3" is of great significance to the development of the region, stressing that "as Premier Zhu Rongji stated that China would strengthen its efforts in conducting Human Resources Developing Projects under 10 Plus 3 framework and sponsor practical technology training program for 10 Plus 3 countries."

The Chinese minister recalled that the meeting of leaders of "10 Plus 3" held in Singapore in November 2000 had reached consensus on cooperation in East Asia, as well as a series of practical cooperation projects. He said that China has attached importance to the implementation of the projects agreed upon, which had already achieved good results.

He affirmed that this indicated that the cooperation between 10 Plus 3 has entered a stage of practical development. He said that China would like to make efforts together with member countries to push forward the economic cooperation in the East Asian Area.

He indicated that China will continue the implementation of such cooperation projects as Mekong Basin development, cooperation in IT, human resources development and training program on practical technology for environmental protection.

The opening of AEM Plus 3 meeting followed the conclusion of Retreat of ASEAN Economic Ministers Thursday. The "10 Plus 3" meeting closed Friday afternoon with the release of a joint statement stressing further cooperation among them.

(www.eastday.com.cn 05/05/2001)