Hu delivers speech on key issues at G20 summit

Chinese President Hu Jintao has delivered a speech at the G20 summit on key issues, including the fluctuation of commodity prices, energy, food security and employment. During the summit, President Hu also met with world leaders including British Prime Minister David Cameron, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. On the issue of the fluctuation of commodity prices, President Hu Jintao noted the G20 needs to focus on three aspects. The first is to seek a proper balance between the stabilization of commodity prices and the promotion of world economic growth. The second is to achieve an equitable balance between the stability of commodity prices and ensuring global energy and food security. Hu said the third is to strike a right balance between the stabilization of commodity prices and the promotion of international development and cooperation. With regard to the energy sector, President Hu said China is working to build a stable, economical, clean and safe energy supply system by giving priority to thrift, relying on domestic resources, encouraging diverse patterns of development and protecting the environment. Hu Jintao also said China has been striving to implement the policy of food self-sufficiency by expanding agricultural investment, improving farm irrigation facilities and ramping up development in agricultural science and technology so as to elevate food production and quality and overall agricultural productivity. On the issue of employment, Hu said G20 members should give priority to stabilizing and expanding employment, especially among the youth and the vulnerable in society. He added they should promote employment through growth and maintain growth through employment. During the G20 summit, President Hu held talks with a number of foreign leaders and heads of international organizations, including British Prime Minister David Cameron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan as well as Pascal Lamy, Director-General of the World Trade Organization. They exchanged views on bilateral ties and cooperation within the G-20 framework.