Graphics: Asia-Pacific powers global economic growth

The Boao Forum for Asia 2026, which will be held in Boao, south China's Hainan Province, from March 24 to 27, will focus on the core issue of global economic recovery. Amid global economic headwinds, the Asia-Pacific region continues to demonstrate resilience and vitality, and is expected to contribute nearly 60% of global real GDP growth in 2026, reinforcing its role as a key engine of global growth. Within the Asia-Pacific region, China is forecast to contribute 26.6% of global growth, by far the largest share of any country, according to International Monetary Fund (IMF) projections. 

East and South Asia are outpacing the global growth rate, according to data from the UN. Global economic growth stood at 2.8% in 2025, and is projected to be 2.7% in 2026 and 2.9% in 2027. Economic growth in East Asia is expected to slow from 4.9% in 2025 to 4.4% in both 2026 and 2027. The outlook for South Asia remains relatively robust, although growth is forecast to moderate from 5.9% in 2025 to 5.6% in 2026 before rebounding to 5.9% in 2027.

The forum will showcase Hainan's role in promoting high-level opening up and facilitating global connectivity. In 2025, both Hainan's inward and outward foreign investment registered double-digit growth, according to the local government. Hainan's export in services for 2025 surged 81% year on year, the province has established partnerships with 41 free trade zones, and it attracted investment from 180 countries and regions.