XIANGHE, Hebei, Oct. 16(Xinhuanet)-- Finance ministers and central bank governors from the Group of 20 countries ended their annual meeting here Sunday. The G20 Statement on Global Development Issues was released after the meeting.

The following are the full text of the G20 Statement on Global Development Issues:

1. We, the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of the G20, have agreed that as a major forum for policy dialogues between developed and emerging countries, the G20 should play an active role in addressing critical development issues. We build on the UN Millennium Review Summit, which assessed the progress on achieving the Millennium Development Goals(MDGs) and other Millennium Summit Objectives, and expect the forthcoming World Trade Organization(WTO) Ministerial meeting in Hong Kong, China, to push forward the agenda of the Doha Development Round to further promote equitable trade liberalization and integration.

2. It is encouraging that many countries have achieved significant progress, and a large number of developing countries are on track to meet the MDGs. However in some regions, especially in many Sub-Sahara African countries, progress on most goals is lagging seriously behind. Faced with significant challenges we reiterate our firm commitment to achieving the MDGs through intensified cooperation aimed at overcoming severe challenges.

Development approaches

3. We recognize that each country has primary responsibility for its own economic and social development, and for this reason it is important to respect the development of country-owned strategies. Sound economic policies, good governance, and accountability are essential to sustained economic growth. With regard to the diversity of growth models and development approaches, we are committed to strengthening the dialogue on varying development philosophies, strategies, and policies, from which all countries can benefit.