The Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2004 will be held in Boao, China's southernmost province of Hainan, from April 24 to 25. An April 18 press release from the forum secretariat said that all preparations are now complete.

The theme of the conference this year is "A Win-Win Asia, an Asia Open to the World." Participants will discuss regional economic cooperation against the backdrop of globalization, integration of regional economies, development paths for Asia and sustainable development of society.

The secretariat began preparing early this year, inviting important political figures, delegates and honored guests who will deliver speeches; confirming the major topics for discussion; exploring diversification of the form of the annual conference; and negotiating with sponsors.

The increasingly influential Boao Forum continues to gain support from leaders of various countries. Important current and former political figures from Cambodia, Pakistan, Malaysia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, India, Singapore and Kazakhstan have all confirmed their participation this year. Those from outside the region who will attend hail from Czechoslovakia, the United States, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand. Representatives of some international organizations and major multinational corporations will also attend.

Chinese President Hu Jintao will deliver a keynote speech.

Forum General Secretary Long Yongtu said the level of participants this year is unprecedently high.

The forum this year will focus on hot issues in Asia and world. Among the topics discussed will be the Asian supply chain in the context of globalization, Asian finance, energy and IT cooperation.

The forum schedule includes a leader summit and an entrepreneur summit; a trade minister forum and a forum on China's peaceful rise and economic globalization; two luncheon parties, three seminars and three round-table meetings.

The Boao Forum for Asia has drawn increasing attention from enterprises. Over 100 companies from around the world will be represented. Some of the companies are sponsors.

The forum organizer said on Sunday that subordinate reception, security, press, production safety, environment, public health safety, economic exchange and cooperation groups were conducting their final checks.

(China.org.cn by Wang Qian and Tang Fuchun, April 19, 2004)