Boao Forum to focus on environment, recovery

The Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) this year will focus on green growth, global economic recovery, digital economy and global cooperation, an official said on Wednesday.

Li Baodong, secretary-general of the BFA, said this year the forum will shed light particularly on issues regarding innovative development, inclusive growth and global cooperation amid efforts to facilitate global development via joint efforts.

Li said this year the BFA will be convened in spring. Yet with the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, the exact date of the event has yet to be determined.

New developments based on regional cooperation in Asia will also be a key talking point during this year's discussions, he said.

"This year, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement has officially taken effect. The agreement is seen as an important milestone of regional cooperation in Asia. It has also injected new impetus to global economic recovery. Regional countries are expressing their support for safeguarding free trade and multilateralism with actions. This year's BFA will further discuss how to make good use of opportunities brought by the RCEP agreement and deepen regional cooperation in the Asia-Pacific," Li added.