Some Cambodian experts have expressed their support for Chinese President Xi Jinping's call for greater economic integration, faster reforms and improved connectivity among members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).

Xi made the call during his keynote address at the 22nd APEC Summit held in Beijing Nov. 10-11.

Xi said that APEC members must break down barriers and speed up the realization of the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) to enhance greater regional economic integration.

"President Xi's keynote address at APEC Summit in Beijing is pivotal for the regional development and connectivity," Joseph Matthews, director of International Cooperation Department at the Asia-Euro University in Phnom Penh, told Xinhua.

He said Xi's remarks about opening the economy in the Asia Pacific will bring progress and prosperity to the peoples in the region.

"His call is a very realistic and pragmatic approach to integrate 21 economies into what could be the single biggest economy in the world," he said.

Joseph said APEC members posses 40 percent of the world's GDP. "It is the right time for the region to realize its potentials and pursue the establishment of a regional Free Trade Area," he said.

"China is the second biggest economy in the world, and the biggest in Asia, so the connectivity of regional economies with China can help the underdeveloped countries to develop their physical infrastructure and enhance alignment and coordination of policies," Joseph said.

He said APEC Accord as suggested by President Xi will bring innovative development and reforms that could foster more sustainable and inclusive economies in the Asia Pacific, adding that it is actually a strategic blueprint for global development and cooperation.

"Now, it all depends on APEC leaders present in the Summit to realize the vision of the Chinese leader," Joseph said.

Sok Touch, deputy director-general of the International Relations Institute of Cambodia, said President Xi's call was directed at issues and challenges that developing economies in the Asia Pacific region are facing.

"For developing countries, better connectivity and greater access to regional markets are essential to grow their economies," he told Xinhua.

According to Touch, President Xi wants to create closer and better relations in politics, economy, trade, and investment among countries in Asia-Pacific."Expanding relations and cooperation in economy and trade will reduce political tension among countries, particularly those with some conflicts," he said.