The annual Boao Forum for Asia opens over the weekend in China's southern Hainan province. Zhou Wenzhong, Secretary General of the forum explained this year's theme, and the importance for Asian economies to shift their growth models toward sustainable development.

The annual Boao Forum for Asia opens over the weekend in China's southern Hainan province.

This year's Boao forum will focus on Asia's future development path amid a changing global landscape.

The forum's Secretary General Zhou Wenzhong summed up the last year as one of volatility and uncertainties for the region in the shadow of European and American debt crises.

Zhou said, "For Asian economies, maybe with no exception, they are all export-oriented economies. They depend on export for growth. The markets in the United States and European countries are very soft. As a result, their exports are decreasing, including China."

This may partly explain why officials from these nations are looking to high-level dialogues such as the forthcoming Boao Annual Conference - as a platform to inspire the way forward for Asia.

Zhou also said, "Asian countries are wondering what they should do to adapt to these kinds of circumstances. That's why we picked up the theme, 'Asia in the changing world, towards sustainable and healthy development.'"

Amid growing uncertainties in the world economy, Asia's facing a redefining moment for its growth mode. At this year's Boao forum, participants will focus their discussion on how Asian economies can achieve healthy and sustainable development path.