China has commended the "significant role" of UNCTAD, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, in promoting global economic and trade development, safeguarding the interests of developing countries, and enhancing South-South cooperation and North-South dialogue. In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, this message was conveyed to UNCTAD Secretary-General Supachai Panitchpakdi by newly-appointed Permanent Representative of China to the United Nations in Geneva, H.E. Ambassador Liu Zhenmin. The UNCTAD Secretary-General welcomed Ambassador Liu to his new post and expressed appreciation for China's contribution to UNCTAD. The Ambassador and the Secretary-General exchanged views on major international issues related to the current economic situation. Both sides emphasized the importance of further enhancement of cooperation among developing countries on the issues of global governance, according to the statement. China's support for UNCTAD follows a recent visit to Saudi Arabia by its Vice Trade Minister. During the visit, talks were held over possible joint ventures in petrochemicals and banking as part of a wider Chinese push into economic and trade relations between the GCC and the Republic of China. After their first joint meeting with Chinese trade officials, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) - Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the UAE and Saudi Arabia - agreed at a meeting in the Saudi capital Riyadh to increase trade with Beijing. About UNCTAD XIII UNCTAD XIII will take place at the "Qatar National Convention Centre", Doha, for the first time in the Arab region. It will provide an opportunity for wide-ranging debate and reflection on the state of the global economy and the major economic challenges facing developing countries, particularly in light of recent economic and social crises. The conference will be preceded by a series of events, among which are the third World Investment Forum (20-22 April) that will be attended by political decision makers and by high-level officials of global corporations, including Peter Brabeck-Letmathe, Chairman of the Board of Nestlé. The Civil Society Forum (17-25 April) will gather some 400 representatives of non-governmental organizations from around the world. And the first Global Services Forum (19 April) will unite actors in this economic sector and government officials.
