The Boao Forum for Asia, with a focus on Asia and a global perspective, has produced many valuable "Boao proposals" since its inception, Chinese President Xi Jinping said at the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) on 10 April.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (Photo: AFP/VNA)

Chinese news agency Xinhua quoted the President as saying in his keynote speech that the "Boao proposals" have helped build consensus in Asia, encourage cooperation, promote economic globalisation and advance the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

"The most important one is that for any country or nation to achieve rejuvenation, they must follow the logic of history and the trend of the times in their pursuit of progress and development," Xi was quoted as saying by Xinhua.

The annual BFA is held in Boao city of China’s Hainan province. It was established by 25 Asian countries, including China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, India, Viet Nam, Singapore and Australia, in 2001 to create a high-level venue for dialogues between leaders from governments, enterprises, experts and academia to discuss economic, social and environmental issues, thereby promoting economic cooperation and supporting the sustainable development of Asia’s economy.

This year’s BFA is themed “An Open and Innovative Asia for a World of Greater Prosperity”. The event, which is running from 8 to 11 April, has gathered 2,000 participants, including business leaders and heads of state.

On 9 April, former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was elected chairman of the BFA, replacing former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda.

(Source: VNA)