The annual Boao Forum for Asia, to be held from November 2 to 3 in South China's Hainan Province, is expected to add to major advances made this month promoting regional economic cooperation in Asia.

At a press conference in Beijing Thursday, Long Yongtu, secretary-general of the forum, said: "The timing of this year's conference is very opportune as Asia is making unprecedented progress in economic cooperation."

The Leaders Meeting of the Association of South-East Asian Nations, China, Japan and South Korea, and the 11th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting were both held this month.

The Boao Forum for Asia would build upon the two summit meetings, furthering Asian economic cooperation, Long said.

He believed this year's conference would achieve its aims of attracting high-ranking delegates, discussing high-level issues, and achieving results.

About 1,000 participants, including government leaders from Asia, successful business leaders and economists from around the world, have already confirmed they will attend the event, according to Long.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, leading a Chinese Government delegation, will participate in the conference.

Important issues of common concerns in Asia will be covered in plenary meetings, four sub-conferences, two themed conferences, and 12 sub-topics at the Boao forum, Long said.

The forum participants are expected to discuss and exchange views on issues such as regional free trade arrangements and co-operation in the finance and information technology industries.

(China Daily October 24, 2003)