On November 14, 2011, Chinese President Hu Jintao left Honolulu, Hawaii, after attending the Economic Leaders' Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).

With the theme of "Closely Linked to the Regional Economy", the annual meeting focused on the Asia-Pacific regional economic growth, regional economic integration, green growth, energy security, regulatory cooperation and other issues. On November 13, Hu made a speech at the Economic Leaders' Meeting, calling for a shift in growth model to sustain economic development.

In his speech, Hu analyzed the current global economic situation and severe challenges facing economic development. He pointed out that we should strengthen our confidence and determination, show courage and wisdom, implement the growth strategy adopted at the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Yokohama last year and strive for balanced, inclusive, sustainable, innovative and safe growth of the economy. To meet this goal, President Hu made the following proposals. First, step up coordination to improve global economic governance. Second, make unremitting efforts to speed up the shift of growth model. Third, build consensus and continue to promote economic globalization and regional economic integration.

Hu pointed out that as the most important economic cooperation mechanism in the Asia-Pacific region, APEC should play a unique role in supporting its member countries' shift of economic growth pattern and deepening regional economic integration according to the new situation in international economic development and trade and investment. China will unswervingly participate in regional and international economic cooperation, and seek combination of its own development with international responsibility within its own capacity. "We should actively promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation to contribute to achieving lasting peace and common prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region."

At the APEC CEO summit on the morning of November 12, the Chinese leader delivered a keynote speech entitled "Work Together to Shape the Future." "Under the current circumstances, we must be firmly committed to maintaining growth and promoting stability, with a special emphasis on ensuring strong growth in order to add momentum to the economic development in the Asia-Pacific and beyond," he said in his speech. He said that China's development is a major force for the economic growth of Asia-Pacific and the world at large. We welcome Asia-Pacific businesses to take an active part in China's reform, opening up and modernization process and share the opportunities created by and achievements of China's economic growth. China will cooperate with other countries sincerely to create a better future for Asia-Pacific.

Hu arrived in Honolulu on November 10. On the sidelines of the APEC meeting, the Chinese leader also held a range of meetings. He met with personages from the U.S. business community and held meetings with leaders of the U.S., Japan, Vietnam, Peru, Canada and other member countries.

During the meeting between Hu and Obama, the two leaders had a candid, in-depth exchange of views on bilateral ties as well as international and regional issues of common concern and reached broad consensus. Both sides agreed to make joint efforts to build a cooperative partnership based on mutual respect and mutual benefit under the current situation.