HAIKOU, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- More than 200 academics from universities and institutes of China, ASEAN state members and government officials gathered Saturday in south China's island province of Hainan to attend a think thank forum.

Focusing on the theme of "Hainan Free Trade Zone (FTZ), Free Trade Port Construction and China-ASEAN Connectivity," the 2019 China (Hainan) - ASEAN Think Tank Forum, held in the capital city of Haikou, consisted of diverse events.

The attendees discussed the construction of China (Hainan)-ASEAN FTZ and shared experience, the promotion of the connectivity between China and ASEAN and the building of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.

They also focused on topics including economic cooperation, people-to-people and cultural exchanges, as well as the building of a community of shared future in the South China Sea.

Experts said Hainan has played a unique role in the building of the Belt and Road and the forum is expected to broaden and deepen exchanges and cooperation between Hainan and ASEAN state members in various fields and enhance mutual connectivity.