Analysts here said the BFA is an inevitable choice for Asian countries amid accelerating globalization, and will provide a platform of communications and dialog for Asians to iron out their differences and establish mutually beneficial co-operation.

Participants noted that economic globalization will be the top priority on the agenda of the BFA, and that the severe situation will force Asian countries to integrate their advantages before they can confidently face the challenges of globalization.

The prevailing view among experts is that economic globalization has increased the inter-dependence of Asian economies, and that enhanced coordination and co-operation in the economic and financial fields will help prevent financial turmoil, for the mutual benefit of Asian countries.

The message from the BFA is clear: Asians have realized that they have many things in common, and have found a way to deal with globalization, i.e., by eliminating estrangement and seeking closer co-operation.

Robert James Lee Hawke, former prime minister of Australia and an active advocate of the forum, said the BFA will help Asian countries prepare for participation in the process of globalization.

The idea of the BFA was first suggested two years ago, in the wake of the Asian financial crisis. This very crisis shows clearly how pale and weak the countries of Asia were in coordinating their economic policies to fend off the crisis.

The crisis proved to Asian countries that regional co-operation, communications and bilateral aid are vitally necessary to enhance their defense against potential financial crises.

It is widely noted that regional co-operation has been increasing in other parts of the world, as represented by the North American Free Trade Zone and the European Union.

Representatives to the forum pointed out that it will be an important mission of the forum to seek solutions to poverty, population, environment and other issues facing Asia amid the background of globalization.

They also discussed the issue of cultural values, and held that the establishment of the BFA will make it easier for Asian arts, cultures and traditions to get the respect and support which they deserve, and at the same time make Asia a more interesting partner by keeping its many unique characteristics.

The advocates stressed the non-official, non-political and openness of the forum, with the consideration that the gathering of the world's best brains will help Asian leaders and entrepreneurs make wiser decisions, while avoiding ideological arguments will provide an environment for free exchanges and deliberations.

Asian countries have show strong interest in the establishment of the forum, according to Chen Jinhua, co-chairman of the Preparatory Committee.

Experts predict that the forum will help Asian countries to protect their interests and enhance their competitiveness as a unity, and may have laid the cornerstone for another Asian economic miracle.

The time has come for Asians to leave behind their differences and become united. The launch of the BFA is a good beginning for this, the organizers claimed.

(People's Daily 02/27/2001)