The Establishment Conference of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) closed in Boao Tuesday. It is the first international organization with its permanent venue located in China.

The number of guests proved that the concept of founding the BFA is welcomed throughout Asia, said Chen Jinhua, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, one of the four Chairmen of the forum.

He said at the closing ceremony that Asia needs closer integration to cope with economic globalization, and the forum will provide an exchange center for government officials, businessmen and experts from Asian countries to do research and improve cooperation.

Secretary-General of the BFA Ajit Singh presided over the closing ceremony.

(Xinhua 02/28/2001)