Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2026 holds plenary in Hainan

The Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2026 held a plenary on Thursday in Boao, south China's Hainan Province.

Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, attended the event and delivered a keynote speech.

Noting that this year marks the 25th anniversary of the event, Zhao said the forum has become a prestigious platform for promoting exchanges, collaboration and common development among Asian nations and the world.

Zhao emphasized that the world today faces significant uncertainty, calling on all countries to uphold genuine multilateralism and strengthen both regional and global cooperation. He stressed that only through solidarity can humanity effectively address global risks and challenges and build a better future.

In his keynote speech, Zhao also highlighted China's role as a driver of global growth. 

He noted that over the past five years, China's economy has maintained an average annual growth rate of 5.4%, with total economic output surpassing 140 trillion yuan (approximately $20.28 trillion) and per capita GDP exceeding $13,000. Its contribution to global economic growth has consistently remained around 30%, reinforcing China's position as a key engine of the world economy, said Zhao.

As China prepares for the 33rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting in Shenzhen this November, Zhao said the country stands ready to take this opportunity as host and work with all parties to build an Asia-Pacific community, and inject greater vitality and stronger impetus into the region's development.

Founded in 2001, the BFA is a non-governmental and non-profit international organization committed to promoting regional economic integration and bringing Asian countries closer to their development goals.

Running from March 24 to 27, this year's conference is themed "Shaping a Shared Future: New Dynamics, New Opportunities, New Cooperation." About 2,000 representatives from more than 60 countries and regions are participating in this year's forum.

(With input from Xinhua)