The Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) wrapped up on April 11 in the southern Chinese island province of Hainan. Over the course of its four-day run, this year's conference was attended by ten national leaders, including Korean Prime Minister Chung Hongwon, and other delegates from China, Australia, Kazakhstan, Laos, Namibia, Pakistan, East Timor, Russia and Vietnam.

The BFA is a non-profit organization based in Bo'ao, along the east coast of Hainan, and is modeled after the World Economic Forum that takes place in Davos, Switzerland, each year. This annual economic conference takes place every April and is attended by government leaders, business executives and opinion leaders from the media and academic worlds across Asia.

This year's conference was carried out under the theme of "Asia's New Future: Identifying New Growth Drivers" and had three major agenda items: reform, creative innovation and sustainable development.


At the conference, Prime Minister Chung Hongwon delivered the keynote speech, where he emphasized that, "Peaceful reunification in Korea is not confined to the Korean peninsula, but would embody a vision for a new Asia in the future."

Mentioning President Park's recent speech in Dresden, Germany, where she proposed some possible steps that could lead to a reunified Korea, Prime Minister Chung said, "A united Korea with a population of 75 million would provide the world with new markets and investment opportunities, fulfilling its potential to become the new growth engine of Asia."

Chung also explained how Korea is preparing for further economic growth with its "Three Year Plan for Economic Innovation" and other plans to help develop the creative industries.

During one of the discussion sessions, Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi gave the opening speech, emphasizing that, "the collective revitalization of Asia will come alongside the revival of the Silk Road," and called for participant nations to join China's initiatives to build a "Silk Road economic belt."

Attended by around 3,000 people from 50 countries, this year's forum provided the chance to have discussions between various groups and during various sessions. A variety of ideas and opinions were shared concerning the Asian economy and future steps each nation could take to move forward.


On the same day, Prime Minister Chung Hongwon and his Chinese counterpart, Li Keqiang, met to discuss their worries and concerns about North Korea's nuclear weapons. During the meeting, Li gave a positive assessment of the efforts being made by the Korean government, including "Korean Peninsula Trust Building Process" and the president's recent speech in Dresden. Li added that he believes both South and North will ultimately bring about a peaceful reunification with reconciliation and cooperation.

In addition, both sides agreed on the importance of a Korea-China free trade agreement and promised to make an effort to wrap up the negotiations. The two sides also agreed to strengthen cooperation in a number of sectors, including science and technology and education.

By Lee Seung-ah
Korea.net Staff Writer
slee27@korea.kr