HELSINKI (AFX) - Asian and EU leaders agreed during their gathering here under the ASEM forum that they must combat protectionism.
"The partners further discussed economic growth opportunities and noted that rapid structural changes are taking place in most economies," Finnish prime minister Matti Vanhanen said after chairing the meeting.
"To secure balanced and sustainable economic expansion, protectionism must be fought," Vanhanen said.
Leaders agreed that the introduction of market liberalisation and structural reforms is the best way to reap the benefits of globalisation, he said.
They paid special attention to the needs of poor countries, backing Vietnam's entry to the WTO, he said.
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