For nearly two decades, The Boao Forum for Asia has brought government, business and academia from around the world. This year Rome is hosting, with the focus on Asia-Europe cooperation. Li Yaoyang has the story.

This is the very first time that the Boao forum for Asia is held in Rome, attracting some 300 European and Asian senior government officials as well as business and thought leaders. With rising unilateralism and protectionism, the global economy, while maintaining growth on the whole, is still fluid and complex.

According to Li Baodong, the Secretary General of Boao Forum for Asia, with new circumstances come new opportunities, Asia and Europe should embrace their proud tradition of sincere friendship and enhance cooperation, thus bringing economic prosperity and stability to two both sides. Such sentiments have struck a chord with others at the event.

PAOLO BORZATTA DIRECTOR OF THE EUROPEAN HOUSE - AMBROSETTI "Asia offers a great opportunity because now it's the moment of geopolitical changes. I think Asia and Europe are two continents that share one continent. Of course this is a word pun, but it's good to start talking and working together. Meanwhile, with changes we can also exploit all the opportunities. For example, we could work very well together in Central Asia."

The Rome conference has focused on issues like the digital economy and sustainable development. Among them, the Belt and Road initiative is one of the hottest topics.

ROMANO PRODI BOARD MEMBER OF BOAO FORUM FOR ASIA FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION "The Belt and Road Initiative is a strong and intelligent proposal. It makes sense not only in terms of the past but also for the future. We should use it for innovation in international trade."

ANTONIO LASPINA DIRECTOR OF THE MARKETING COORDINATION OFFICE ITALIAN TRADE AGENCY "Infrastructure can facilitate not only trains and other physical connections, but also cultural and social connections. They create opportunities for small and medium-sized companies. They can also facilitate research, especially in those fields like smart city and smart energy. The application of new technologies is the future."