Next week's Asian Financial Forum in Hong Kong will focus on strategic co-operation between China and the ASEAN member states as well as on the global economic growth outlook. Brent Lewin / Bloomberg

More than 2,400 global government, finance and business leaders, including Nobel economics laureate Paul Krugman, are set to attend next week's Asian Financial Forum (AAF) in Hong Kong.

They will share their insights on global growth prospects amid divergent monetary policies.

The theme of the eighth AFF is "Asia: Sustainable Development in a World of Change", which is a subject of particular relevance to the current economic climate, said Anita Fung, chairperson of the AFF Steering Committee.

The three-day event, organized by the government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on Jan 19.

A special workshop on "China, ASEAN and the New Silk Road - Global Financial Perspectives" will be the focus of attention as it's widely expected to cast new light on issues of great concern.

The eye-catching panel discussion, sponsored by China Daily, will be held on the second day of the forum.

China has initiated several strategic initiatives to boost and connect investments and greater economic cooperation in Asia. They include the "21st Century Maritime Silk Road", "One Belt, One Road" and the "Silk Road Fund".

With these improved connectivity and massive flow of capital and people, what are the implications for the Chinese, ASEAN and the global economies? How would these initiatives reshape the global economic gravity? What are the opportunities and challenges for Hong Kong and the greater Pearl River Delta region? These are some of the questions that will be addressed by professionals and experts, including Xu Ningning, executive president of China-ASEAN Business Council; Li Yao, chief executive officer of the China-ASEAN Investment Cooperation Fund; and Perry Warjiyo, deputy governor of Bank Indonesia.

"Despite setbacks and an uneven global recovery, we should see growth picking up in 2015," said Shaun Roache, International Monetary Fund resident representative in Hong Kong.

"Asia remains a relative bright spot in the global economy and this should help the region continue to expand its presence in international trade, investment and finance," he said.

Tim Pagett, China financial service industry leader of Deloitte China, emphasized the importance of technology.

"As the world becomes increasingly connected, digital technologies are inexorably opening up more opportunities for the financial services sectors," Pagett said.

"The impacts on Asian markets are even more significant, given their high growth rates, economic and social diversity and varying stages of financial sophistication," he added.

celia@chinadailyhk.com

(HK Edition 01/14/2015 page9)