Responding to criticisms that the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) is a "club for the rich", its secretary-general said yesterday that more small- and medium-sized enterprises are being encouraged to join the upcoming 8th forum.

 

"BFA is interested in getting all well-performing enterprises involved," Long Yongtu said at a press conference in Beijing.

 

This year's forum, a platform established in 2001 for high-level interaction between leaders from Asia and around the world, will be held in Hainan province from April 11-13.

 

"This year's conference promises to be the best ever," Long said.

 

He said it will also be a good opportunity for international business operators to attain strategic levels of understanding on the economic policies from newly elected Chinese financial authorities.

 

"This year is also a key year for the World Trade Organization talks in Doha, so the 8th BFA will invite some key players in the talks to attend," Long said.

 

He did not reveal the list of presenting leaders or the total number of participants.

 

"But our biggest problem has been how to arrange enough accommodation," he said.

 

Last year, more than 1,400 representatives from 36 countries and regions took part.

 

Long also unveiled the theme for this year's forum: "Green Asia: Moving Towards Win-Win Through Changes".

 

"There has never been a more important time for a discussion of Asia's environmental future," he said.

 

Long said the theme will offer participants a chance to discuss how to secure Asia's future through renewable energy sources and how the private sector can contribute to improving the environment.

 

This year's forum is significant as China marks the 30th anniversary of its reform and opening up, Long said.

 

"The 8th BFA will offer leaders from business, governments and academia an opportunity to reflect on how far China has come over the past 30 years," Long said.

 

"It also helps them prepare for the changes and challenges that will face China - and the entire Asian region - over the next three decades."

 

Different from other forums, Long said the BFA's strength lies in its "China- and Asia-based" perspective.

 

James Zhan, president of Tata Group China, said: "As an industrial giant of India, we chose to participate in the BFA because of the shift of the global economy toward the East."

 

(China Daily January 25, 2008)