Boao Forum for Asia kicks off

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Source: CCTV.com | 04-17-2009 13:10

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This year's Boao Forum for Asia, the eighth of its kind, has begun in southern China's Hainan province. Premier Wen Jiabao will deliver a keynote speech on Saturday. This year's theme is "Asia: Managing beyond crisis".

Long Yongtu (L), Secretary General of Boao Forum for Asia (BFA), Fidel Valdez Ramos (C), BFA Chairman of Board of  Directors and former President of Philippines and Bob Hawke, former Australian Prime Minister attend the BFA Members  General Meeting in Boao, a scenic town in south China's  Hainan Province, April 16, 2009. The BFA Members General Meeting was held here on Thursday.(Xinhua/Guo Cheng)

A stellar line-up of speakers and delegates from the business world has been confirmed for the forum. This year's Boao meeting has seen an unexpected level of interest.

A record number of more than six hundred journalists have registered to cover the Forum this year. Over 30 of the World's Top 500 companies have sent representatives, and over 800 entrepreneurs from around the globe are attending. The three-day conference is expected to attract 27-hundred participants.

Group discussions will form a key part of the Forum. Delegates are expected to discuss the impact of the crisis on Asia, and try to agree on how the region can best weather the challenges it faces.