Colombian minister emphasizes China's crucial role in WTO

China's participation in the World Trade Organization (WTO) is vital to developing and maintaining a fair system for global commerce, said a Colombian minister on Tuesday at the ongoing Hongqiao International Economic Forum.

As an important part of the China International Import Expo (CIIE), which kicked off Tuesday in Shanghai, the Hongqiao International Economic Forum is held alongside the event, featuring a total of 19 sub-forums on various topics.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the WTO. During a sub-forum titled "The WTO at 30 and China: History and Evolution" on Tuesday, government officials, international organization representatives, and business leaders from across the globe emphasized China's significant economic contributions since its accession to the WTO in 2001.

"China undoubtedly plays a crucial role in the WTO system. I believe that for many developing countries, China's industrial policies are an excellent model to follow. China remains committed to multilateralism and rules-based approaches in resolving trade disputes," said Luis Carlos Reyes Hernandez, Colombia's Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism.

China's accession to the WTO marked a milestone in its integration into the global economy, ushering in a new era of the country's reform and opening-up. Currently, China is a major trading partner for more than 140 countries and regions worldwide.

As the world's first national-level exposition dedicated to imports, the CIIE has attracted participants from 152 countries, regions and international organizations in its country exhibition and business exhibition.

Colombian minister emphasizes China's crucial role in WTO

A Chinese envoy on Tuesday called on Sudan and South Sudan to engage in dialogue and cooperation for a political settlement of the Abyei-related issues.

Speaking at a United Nations Security Council meeting, Dai Bing, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, expressed the hope that the conflict in the area will end as soon as possible.

The Chinese envoy also called on Sudan and South Sudan to continue dialogue and cooperation for the relaunching of the political process so as to lay a foundation for the final settlement of the issues.

"We call on all parties to boost their assistance to Abyei, particularly in the development and construction of sectors involving farming and animal husbandry, medical and health services, education and training, infrastructure, and disaster prevention and mitigation, so as to effectively improve the economic and living conditions in the Abyei area, thus laying a sound foundation for easing tensions and promoting long-term peace and stability," said Dai.

Abyei, a territory contested by Sudan and South Sudan, covers an area of about 10,000 square kilometers and is rich in oil resources, making it strategically important.

In 2011, the UN Security Council established the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) to monitor the Abyei border.

China calls for political settlement of Abyei-related issues between Sudan, South Sudan