Declaration of Boao Forum for Asia

By Faheem Belharvi

At the beginning of the new millennium, we gather here in Boao, Hainan Province, in the People’s Republic of China to review the economic and social challenges facing Asia. We recognize the importance of developing Asian perspectives on emerging issues and challenges facing Asia. We further recognize the need for sustained efforts to promote greater interdependence and economic integration of the region. To this end:

Noting Asia’s great diversity in economic and social conditions, differences in the stages of development and in the variety of cultures and traditions,

Noting that despite its great diversity, Asia is united in its overarching goal of seeking equitable and sustainable development for its peoples and is determined to move forward,

Noting that an outward oriented strategy to exploit the full potential of its vast natural and human resources through the use of new technologies represents an optimal path to the elimination of poverty, enhanced prosperity and the quality of life.

Firmly convinced that through dialogue, coordination and cooperation amongst the countries of Asia, new Asian perspectives will emerge to cement and deepen economic ties, enhance trade and investment within the region and the world at large.

We do hereby solemnly declare:

1. That the Boao Forum for Asia be established under the laws of the People’s Republic of China and permanently located in Boao, Hainan Province, China.

2. The forum will be guided by the Vision, Mission and Strategies enunciated below.

Vision statement

Strive to become the premier Forum, promoting the development goals of Asian countries through greater regional economic integration.

Mission statement

Towards realization of the Vision, the Forum will endeavor to:

Provide a platform for high-level interactions between representatives of Governments, business leaders and academic scholars to further and deepen trade and investment ties, promote partnerships and evolve different perspectives on emerging global economic challenges.

Gain deeper understanding of the diversity of the region through wider discussion of culture and the arts, and foster a deeper sense of social responsibility amongst private enterprises within Asia.

Develop an enabling environment and strengthen synergies for the promotion and growth of business enterprises with the goal of attaining sustainable economic progress in the region.

Nurture and promote the concept of intra-regional institutional networking and region-wide strategic links with the objective of enhancing trade and investment opportunities arising from globalization, both within the region and in the rest of the world.

Provide intellectual leadership for developing human resources and further research on issues of importance, both internal to the region and its relationships with the rest of the world.

Strategies

The Forum will pursue its Mission through the adoption and implementation of appropriate strategies, which will include:

Convene conferences, seminars and workshops on a regular basis, to discuss important issues in the areas of trade, investment and environmental protection, etc.

Complement other regional and international initiatives to intensify and strengthen partnerships between governments and business enterprises in matters of trade and investment.

Monitor global and regional economic trends that impact on economies of the region.

Collate and disseminate information especially on emerging issues affecting trade and finance and highlight new opportunities for regional cooperation.

Pursue both in-house and collaborative research activities that will contribute to the overall goals of the Forum.

Facilitate contacts between enterprises in the region through the development of networking arrangements.

Become a center for research and graduate training to equip Asian business communities with better management and technological capabilities.

We further agree that appropriate mechanisms be established to fulfill the ideals and objectives of the Boao Forum for Asia.

We are fully convinced that the Boao Forum for Asia will lead to a more prosperous and stable Asia living in harmony with itself and with the rest of the world.

(Courtesy;Xinhua News Agency)