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)