"We need to take stern measures against unfair trade practices, which will help the free trade system work," Yoo said. "We need to focus on policies under which benefits stemming from economic integration and free trade can be shared with the underprivileged."

On Friday, South Korea, Japan and China vowed to fight against "all forms of protectionism" amid growing concerns of US President Donald Trump's protectionist policies.

The pledge came after a meeting of senior financial officials and central bankers of the three countries on the sidelines of the ADB annual gathering that runs through Sunday.

The Northeast Asian powers agreed that "trade is one of the most important engines of economic growth and development," the joint statement said.

They "will resist all forms of protectionism," it said. They also agreed to step up cooperation in the face of lingering uncertainties in the global economy and geopolitical risks.

The meeting was attended by the finance ministers and central bank governors of South Korea and Japan, and China's deputy finance minister and senior central bank official.

Yoo also said South Korea's economic recovery will accelerate down the road.

The South Korean economy, Asia's fourth largest, has been showing some modest signs of recovery thanks to brisk exports and investment, but the momentum still remains weak due to flaccid private consumption.

The ADB's annual meeting hosts about 6,000 government officials, academics, business officers and civil society representatives under the theme "Building Together the Prosperity of Asia." The annual meeting is also a celebration of the ADB's 50 years of development work in Asia and the Pacific region. (Yonhap)