COPENHAGEN, Sept 24: EU and Asia leaders pledged on Tuesday to cooperate more to revitalize their economies after the “temporary shock” in the aftermath of the September 11, attacks of last year.

No details of planned measures were given, but ASEM said that enhancing economic relations between the two regions will contribute to achieving sustainable growth in the world economy.

The ASEM (Asia Europe Meeting) leaders aim to revitalize their economies after the transitory shock of September 11, they said in a statement, a draft of which was seen by AFP on the final day of the summit in Copenhagen.

ASEM leaders confirmed their commitment to trade liberalisation in the World Trade Organisation’s Doha round, saying they want to use their forum as an effective means for consultation and dialogue on the WTO Doha Round, particularly in the run-up to the WTO ministerial meeting in Cancun in 2003.

The leaders endorsed the creation of a flexible framework for trade consultation, first proposed by the ASEM economics ministers’ meeting last week, and also support accelerated WTO accession talks for Vietnam.

ASEM leaders also said they will create an “action-oriented” task force for trade, investment and finance. The 10-member body is to discuss issues such as the creation of a Eurobond market in Asia and the use of the euro as a reserve currency.

The task force is to prepare an interim report for next year, and a final report for the next ASEM summit in 2004. —AFP