Ladies and gentlemen,
This is not my first time at a Boao Forum for Asia event. In fact. I was one of the lucky ones to have witnessed the birth of the BFA back in the spring of 2002 in Boao, Hainan Province. I am glad to be back. I am also glad to see that the BFA is going p-engaging governments, business, and civil society in dialogue on issues directly affecting Asia and its peoples.
Back when the BFA was born, another forum also came to life. Many of you may have heard of a forum called the Asia Cooperation Dialogue, or ACD for short. I spoke on this topic at the First BFA Annual Conference. There, I introduced the ACD as a unique ministerial-level forum that brings together, for the first time, all the sub-regions of Asia-from East Asia to South Asia to West Asia-in dialogue and cooperation. At that Conference. I proposed that the ACD and the BFA work closely together because they share the same goals of promoting cooperation and prosperity in Asia.
For this morning, I wish to share with you my thoughts on the prospects for Asia in the world economy. They are not new but they need to be emphasized. Number one: Asia’s dynamism is key to the world’s economic future. Number two: Asia’s diversity is an important strength for the region. Number three: Asia’s collaboration will be solidified if governments and business work together. Number four: Asia’s cooperation will enhance the region’s competitiveness. This is what I would like to call the "Asia Can Do" attitude.
