Ministers from Asian countries and Europe released on Wednesday the Beijing declaration to enhance exchanges among the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) members and establish effective cooperation mechanisms for small-and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

 

The declaration said it is important to improve the trade and investment climate among ASEM members and promote cooperation in such fields as trade facilitation, services, transfer of technology and intellectual property rights.

 

The declaration suggested strengthening exchanges on financing policies for SMEs, promoting innovation for financial products and services, and improving investment mechanisms for starting businesses.

 

It also encouraged Asian and European SMEs to engage in development and cooperation in the fields of technology, investment, economic and trade exchanges, personnel training and IT application.

 

SMEs should also "pay attention to environmental protection in the production and business activities, fulfill their social responsibilities, improve working conditions and protect employees' rights," said the declaration.

 

The first Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) SMEs ministerial meeting was held in Beijing on Tuesday and Wednesday.

 

The declaration said the ASEM SMEs ministerial meeting will be hosted alternately by Asian and European members so as to build it into a regular and sustainable mechanism for policy exchange and dialogue.

 

A senior officials' meeting mechanism will also be set up for ASEM SMEs cooperation. The meeting is to be held prior to meetings between ministers, and government officials from each member will be designated to participate in the meeting, according to the declaration.

 

The second ASEM SMEs ministerial meeting will be held in Europe in 2009.

 

(Xinhua News Agency November 1, 2007)