Leaders of the Pacific Rim nations have concluded their meeting in Singapore after agreeing to work towards a new pattern of regional growth. In a statement released today, APEC leaders acknowledged the leading role the Asia-Pacific nations have taken in the global economic recovery but they said their regional economies can not return to growth as usual. Singapore's Prime Minister said the group will pursue growth which is balanced, inclusive and sustainable to ensure durable recovery that will create jobs and benefit the region's people. The APEC statement says free trade and open markets are key for continued prosperity in the Asia-Pacific. During the last day of meetings today, APEC leaders also held discussions about climate change. They agreed that a legal binding to lower green house gas emissions was not likely by December meeting in Copenhagen but a framework for further negotiations was possible. US President Barack Obama gave a speech to APEC leaders saying they needed a growth model that would allow all nations to grow and raise living standards without damaging the environment. <br/>