Chinese President Hu Jintao in Bangkok Monday urged Asia-Pacific economies to take effective measures to strike a balance between economic and social development.

In an address delivered at the 11th Economic Leaders' Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in the Thai Government House, Hu called on APEC members to promote regional and global economic recovery by opting for appropriate macro economic policies and measures suited to their own conditions.

"Only with proper coordination can development be long-lasting," Hu said at the first day of the informal meeting, which started on Monday afternoon and will continue Tuesday.

Stressing the importance of scientific progress and technological innovation to sustained economic development, Hu said China plans to hold a high-level workshop in Beijing next February to discuss the issue of science and technology intermediary.

He proposed that APEC should reinforce its operations in the field of social development, and in particular, in promoting APEC exchanges in public health, job creation and social security.

"To promote such cooperation, China plans to sponsor some functions next year on labor and social security," Hu said.

(Xinhua News Agency October 21, 2003)