On June 4, 2014, State Councilor Yang Jiechi met with visiting Executive Secretary Shamshad Akhtar of United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) at Zhongnanhai.

Yang Jiechi pointed out that the Asia-Pacific region is now facing sound opportunities for development. The ESCAP may give play to its own advantages, focusing on development, providing support and assistance to developing countries, so as to promote the practical cooperation in Asia-Pacific. China is willing to enhance the mutually beneficial cooperation with the ESCAP to jointly promote regional development, prosperity and progress.

Shamshad Akhtar expressed his appreciation for China for its important and positive role in Asia-Pacific region. He said that the ESCAP is willing to strengthen cooperation with China in sustainable development, regional connectivity and other fields, so as to join efforts to promote the economic and social development in Asia-Pacific.