This month's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting will emphasize the digital economy.

"We will continue to prepare to ensure that the Internet and the dissemination of new technology will lead to rapid change," said Matt Matthews, the US deputy assistant secretary for APEC. He spoke at a press conference in Washington to preview the APEC meeting, which will take place in Manila, Philippines, Nov 18-19.

"The Internet needs to be open to the market and for a free flow of information," he said. "A free flow of information is crucial for firms to make accurate decisions."

Environmental protection and energy efficiency, health care, and public-private partnerships are other themes, Matthews said.

"APEC is important in Asia-Pacific economic structure, in advancing free and open trade and investment," he said. "It is where all member countries are able to enjoy friendly and open discussion and make these proposals real after the meeting."

On health care, Matthews said that "the best way to improve health care efficiency is to take a look at where the systems are that are inconsistent with that goal, so we also need to work with other member countries of APEC to achieve that goal".

Aviation in natural disasters will be another topic. Public-private partnerships in aviation natural disasters also will be a key theme.

zhangyue@chinadaily.com.cn