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.
(Adopted on Feb. 26, 2001 in Boao, Hainan, the People's Republic
of China)
(Xinhua News Agency April 19, 2004)