2024.3.29.  |  |  |  |                  
Theme: New Future for Asia-Pacific: Innovation, Interconnection, Integration, Prosperity
Xi Jinping attended the Opening Ceremony of the APEC CEO Summit and delivered a keynote speech.


   The 2014 APEC CEO Summit was held in Beijing National Conference Center on November 9th, Chairman Xi Jinping attended the opening ceremony and delivered a speech: "Seeking permanent development, Building Asia-Pacific Dreams". He stressed that Asia Pacific parties should accommodate with each other to establish future-oriented Asia Pacific partnerships and participate in regional cooperation, and together build a better future in Asia Pacific.
   At 9am, more than 1500 participants from APEC's 21 economic entities and 17 countries gathered in the conference center. Xi Jinping delivered the keynote speech. Xi pointed out that the Asia Pacific region is an influx of ancient civilization and new merging powers, it has strong development motivations and a bright future. The role of the Asia Pacific region has been rising constantly in the world structure. The future of Asia Pacific development will be depending on today's determination and action. We have responsibilities for the creation and realization of the Asia-Pacific dreams for the all local people in this region.
   How to promote integration of Asian economies and search for the feasible path have become the discussion focuses during this CEO Summit. Chile President Michelle Bachelet said that it's not a zero-sum relationship between the development of Asia Pacific Free Trade Zone and TPP and RECP, it should be an inclusive growth in the Asia Pacific regions. We fully support the blueprints of implementing and realizing the Asia Pacific Free Trade Zone. We believe that it will be built on the basis of integration progress, which has already existed in the local region or under discussion, such as pacific partnerships, TPP or RECP. The numerous mechanisms promoting regional integrations in this area are not the zero-sum relationships; on the contrary, they are complementary with each other to demonstrate this complex and diverse yet energetic and innovative competence to formulate issues and create bright futures for all parties.
   Chairman and CEO of Caterpillar Mr. Doug Oberhelman expressed that the size of the company has been tripled since 1989, this remarkable achievement was made from being a member of APEC integration process. Mr. Doug Oberhelman said that the current top priority is the support and promotion of reaching multilateral trade agreements by all economy leaders. He said: "I think it's most important that 21 economy leaders give full support to the multilateral trade system. I look forward to the early results of negotiation and agreements, then we will still expect more direct benefits on the GDP growth this year given the weak global economy climate. "
   Xi announced that China will invest $40 billion USD to establish the "Silk Road Foundation" to provide financial supports to the infrastructure construction, resources exploration, and industrial cooperation projects in the countries along the "Silk Road"; this strategic move was highly appreciated by the business representatives at the conference. Chairman of Bank of China Mr. Tian Guoli said, "Chairman Xi proposed to establish Asia Infrastructure Bank, set up a foundation that leads the way and become the seed funding source, we hope that more Asian countries and enterprises will join the partnerships, to further activate Asian and Pacific markets with favorite government policies and platforms. The Bank of China will not miss such great opportunity."
   The Chairman of Thailand Industrial Union Mr. Zheng Shubang expressed that the acceleration of infrastructure developments, realization of interconnection and integration in the Asia Pacific region will create many benefits to small and medium sized enterprises and farmers in Thailand. We must build high-speed railways as a part of the development plan. Our government is currently negotiating with China and Japan for initiated the railway projects. The railway networks will connect the north with the south and build a stronger transportation system in our country, especially for our agricultural developments.
   Xi emphasized that, at present, China maintains stable economy development, and demonstrates a development model status. Under the new status, China will have steadier economy growth and more diverse growth momentum. China will enjoy an optimized and upgraded economy structure and more stable development prospects.
   Xi also pointed out that China is deepening its interconnection and interdependence with the Asia Pacific and world economy. China will not only focus on its domestic business, but also extend more benefits to Asia-Pacific countries and the world. China's fast and solid development will bring tremendous benefits and opportunities to Asia Pacific and the world. The future business opportunities are long lasting and infinite. With the increase of comprehensive national strength, China is able and willing to provide more public products to Asia Pacific and the world.
   Xi finally said that, looking ahead, the world and Asia Pacific are facing a historic opportunity for building a prosperous future together while facing complex risk and challenges. Asia Pacific parties should accommodate with each other to establish future-oriented Asia Pacific partnerships and participate in regional cooperation, and together build a better future in Asia Pacific.
   The theme of this 2014 APEC CEO Summit was "New Future for the Asia Pacific: Innovation, Interconnection, Integration, Prosperity". More than 1500 participants from APEC's 21 economic entities and 17 countries and regions attended the summit. At the summit, important state heads, including Russia President Putin and United States President Obama, delivered speeches as well as many business leaders from Microsoft, Qualcomm, Johnson's, Infiniti, Dalian Wanda and other well-known companies also shared their views on the theme.