Focusing on the future of Asian economies in the midst of growing
globalization, the Boao Forum for Asia, begins Friday on this South
China island.
The forum will allow Asian nations and regions to enhance
cooperation and help each other recover from an ailing economy.
This year's theme is ``New Century, New Asia, New Challenge: Asian
Regional Development and Co-operation.''
"High-profile talks between top government officials, heads of
business and experts from academic circles will all take place,
showing that regional cooperation is accelerating," said Yao Wang,
executive director of the organizing committee for the forum.
More than 2,000 representatives from 48 countries and regions will
attend, he said.
Notable guests include Premier Zhu Rongji, Japanese Prime Minister
Junichiro Koizumi, Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and
South Korean Prime Minister Lee Han-dong.
Tung Chee-hwa, Chief Executive of Hong Kong Special Administrative
Region (SAR) and Edmund Ho Hau-wah, Chief Executive of Macao SAR
has also led their delegations to the event.
A
business delegation from Taiwan will also be in attendance, Yao
added.
Regional economic cooperation, trade liberalization, and China's
economic policies and development after its entry into the World
Trade Organization (WTO) will be three major topics during the
two-day event, he said.
Thursday, 11 members of the forum's board of directors were newly
elected during a general meeting of Members. Former Filipino Prime
Minister Fidel Ramos was selected as chairman of the forum, and
Zhang Xiang, acting secretary-general for the forum, was designated
secretary general.
``The effect of China's WTO entry is not only significant for the
nation, but also to the whole region,'' former Australian Prime
Minister Bob Hawke said during the meeting. He is now vice chairman
of the forum.
He
believes that the more countries and regions meet and discuss
common issues, the more likely sensible policies can be worked out
to benefit all.
The forum is also planning on hiring a director of its Asia
Research Institute, which will operate as a think-tank for the
forum after its annual conference.
Members decided at last year's meeting to establish the institute,
which will also provide first-hand information about regional
development and cover issues such as economy, trade, business and
finance.
(China
Daily April 12, 2002)