The upcoming Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) 2011 sets its theme as "Inclusive Development: Common Agenda & New Challenges," and this conveys that the entire world, especially Asia, has gained a better understanding of development issues.

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The concept of development is becoming the consensus of Asia's various economies, and to realize inclusive development means to extend the interests and benefits gained through the development process to all countries – allow all people to enjoy the fruits of economic growth and to achieve balanced economic and social development through sustainable development.

Over the past few decades Asia has enjoyed rapid economic growth and has created many economic miracles. When Asia creates wealth and improves its own living and development conditions, it also becomes the growth propeller for the "world factory" as well as for the global economy. In spite of that, Asia's economic growth has failed to fully bring the all-round development of the entire community. The benefits and wealth generated by rapid economic growth have not benefited all sectors of society, and the development gap has widened among the Asian economies. Globalization and regional economic integration has not provided all countries and regions the same opportunities for development.

As the gaps in development continue to widen at the national level, social level, and even the individual level, the number of economic and social problems grow rapidly and will eventually impact Asia's economic growth and prosperity. After the international financial crisis, the need for the Asian region to achieve inclusive development has become even more urgent.

As the national situation and the degree of economic development vary in each Asian country, concrete implications and tasks in each country are also different, which is normal. China's version of inclusive development focuses on the following four aspects: The opportunities generated are open, fair and should be inclusive to all; development achievements should benefit all; economic relations between countries must be mutually inclusive; the target of achieving sustainable economic development settled by society should include basic rules for environment and ecology.

China's advocacy and practice of the scientific concept of development is in line with the world trend of inclusive development and goes to the forefront of the trend. China is working hard to reach a balance among market efficiency, social equity, economic growth, environmental protection, respect for the individual's all-round development, and promotion of social development and harmony in order to provide justice throughout society and avoid the exclusive pursuit of economic growth.

China also attaches great importance to establish inclusive and mutually beneficial relationships with all countries in economic relations. All countries need these symbiotic, economic relations as a condition for their own and their partners' sustainable prosperity.

China's practice of inclusive development will not only promote social equity and justice for its society but also inject new dynamic force and vitality for inclusive development throughout Asia. In return, other Asian countries' practices and achievements for inclusive development will build China a more favorable external environment for sustainable and inclusive development.

(This article was first published in Chinese and translated by Li Huiru.)

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.