Full Text of Declaration on Boao Forum for Asia

Following is the full text of the Declaration on the Boao Forum for Asia adopted at the Preparation Committee Meeting Monday afternoon.

At the beginning of the new millennium, we gather in Boao, Hainan Province of the People's Republic of China, to review the economic and social challenges facing Asia. We recognize the importance of developing Asia perspectives on emerging issues and challenges facing Asia. We further recognize the need for sustained efforts to promote greater interdependence and economic integration of the region. To this end:

-- Noting that Asia represents great diversity in economic and social development, in the economic size and growth rates of member countries, in the culture and traditions of its people and that the challenges facing Asian economics are also diverse.

-- Noting that Asia, despite its diversity, is united in its efforts to seek equitable and sustainable development for its people and is determined to develop and project its views on issues of regional and global importance from an Asian perspective.

-- Noting that an outward looking strategy to exploit the full potential of its vast natural and human resources and technological advancement would greatly enhance the quality of life and prosperity of its peoples in an emerging new Asia.

-- Firmly convinced that dialogue, coordination and cooperation among Asian countries will deepen economic ties among them and other regions and provide more business and investment opportunities for the world at large.

We do hereby solemnly declare:

-- That the Boao Forum for Asia is founded and the 1st Forum be convened at Boao in 2002;

-- That the Boao Forum for Asia is a non-governmental and non- profiting-making international organization centered in Boao;

-- That the Vision, Mission and Strategies of the Boao Forum for Asia are as follows:

Vision

-- Strive to become the premier Forum, with strong Asian perspectives, promoting the business and socio-economic goals of Asian countries through greater integration in a rapidly globalizing world.

Mission Statement

Towards actualizing its Vision, the Forum endeavors:

-- To generate, through high level interaction between Governments and business leaders, strategic initiatives for the deepening of trade, investment and technology partnerships in Asia.

-- To enhance inter-cultural understanding and fostering a deep sense of social responsibility among business communities in Asia.

-- To develop an enabling environment for creating Asian business synergies for comprehensive and sustainable economic progress.

-- To nurture the concept of intra-regional institutional networking for identifying new global trade and investment opportunities.

-- To promote region-wide strategic alliances to seize trade, industry and investment opportunities emerging from a globalizing world.

-- To provide intellectual leadership for developing human capital and conducting research on areas of special importance to the region and its international partnerships.

Strategies

-- Convene conferences, seminars and workshops on a regular basis, to discuss important issues relating to Asian development, trade, investment and environmental protection.

-- Develop and promote closer inter-relationships between the Forum, business communities and the Government.

-- Complement the regional initiatives underway to intensify collaboration between the Governments and business communities on trade and investment matters.

-- Identify and disseminate information on emerging business and investment opportunities.

-- Serve as an early warning system for the business communities on the impact of global trade and investment liberalization measures.

-- Serve as a clearing-house for promoting joint ventures between business communities operating in Asia.

-- Undertake feasibility studies and provide consultancy services to business communities and governments.

-- To become a global center for research and graduate training to equip business communities with better management and technological capabilities.

We further agree that appropriate mechanisms be established to fulfill the ideals and objectives of the Boao Forum for Asia.

We are fully convinced that the Boao Forum for Asia will lead to a more prosperous and stable Asia living in harmony with itself and with the rest of the world.

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