Boao Forum for Asia kicks off in Hainan

The Boao Forum for Asia under the theme ‘Asia and the world: common challenges, shared responsibility’ kicked off in Hainan, South China, Kazinform News Agency correspondent reports.

Traditionally, the Boao Forum for Asia will open with a press conference during which reports on social and economic situation in the Asian region are to be presented. The four-day forum is to feature around 50 events. The opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia will take place on March 28, which will be addressed by Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, foreign leaders and heads of major international organizations.

The forum is to bring together around five thousand people, including over one thousand journalists. Attending the event will be former UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon, SCO secretary general Zhang Ming, CICA secretary general Kairat Sarybai, and others.

The event will also bring together representatives of international companies such as Xcoal Energy&Resources, Samsung, AstraZeneca, and heads of major Chinese oil and gas, energy, investment and financial companies.

This year, the Boao Forum for Asia is to focus on global economy, scientific and technical innovations, social development and international cooperation.