More than 1,000 participants and about 260 journalists around
the world have gathered in the small town of Boao. Among them are
state leaders, entrepreneurs and academia.
Apart from some government policy speeches by top leaders such
as Chinese Premier Wen
Jiabao, business leaders and leading economists in the world
will also discuss the hot issues. Topics range from regional
cooperation to finance, from the development of the IT sector to
the role of the media.
So what kind of role can Boao play? Pakistani Ambassador to
China Riaz Mohhamad Khan speaks highly of Boao. He says the fact
that President Peverz Musharraf will address to the conference
indicates just that.
"We're sure this Boao forum is going to be stronger, and play a
greater role in enhancing and promoting cooperation among Asian
countries, as well as a catalyst for regional economic
integration."
This year some of the hottest topics focus on the financial
sector. And there will be a sub meeting on regional financial
cooperation organized by the Asian Development Bank. Clay Wescott,
the ADB's Regional Cooperation Specialist, says Boao provides a
good opportunity to discuss how to cooperate and how to avoid
possible turmoil.
"The thing we like about the Boao Forum for Asia is
the way that it is distinctly Asian institution. We think this is
very important for topics of financial and monetary cooperation,
because cooperation is something that involves trust among the
region and to build trust you need to have the countries giving
their respective views."
The theme of this year's conference is "Asia Searching for
Win-win, Development Through Cooperation". One party that already
feels it's winning is the host of the forum, Hainan
Province. Vice Governor Li Lihui says the benefits for Hainan
are not only one fold.
"Choosing Boao as the venue. This is a great opportunity for the
whole province. First, it can speed up the opening process of
Hainan; second, we can establish more contacts and attract more
investment. What's more, it can also be a stimulus, for us to
improve ourselves in infrastructure, organization, and
services."
But after all, Boao is only a non-government, open forum, not a
decision-making mechanism. That's why Lvqiu Luwei, a journalist
from Hong Kong Phoenix Television says she doesn't expect any
breakthrough this time.
"If you want some breakthroughs, I don't expect that. Because I
just think this is a forum. So people just come here and express
their views. I think the most unique and important thing is this is
the forum established in China. This is the most important
thing."
This is also the view of many other attendants. They believe the
voice of Asia is getting stronger as it has 40 percent of the
world's population and enjoys dynamic growth, but its combined GDP
now only accounts for 25 percent of the global figure. In order for
Boao to be as influential as the World Economic Forum, Asia must
first turn itself into a stronger economic powerhouse. And that's
something people can discuss in Boao.
(CRI November 2, 2003)