The 2019 Boao Forum for Asia officially begins tomorrow. CGTN's Cui Hui'ao gives us a preview of what we can expect at this year's event.

One day from now, thousands of delegates will meet, talk, and mingle here at Bo'ao, a small town in the tropical island province of Hainan in the south of China. This year's economic forum has the theme "shared future, concerted action, common development."

Forum Secretary General Li Baodong says the global economy emerged from 2018 heading for recovery, but the momentum remains weak. Challenges come from divergences among major economies in growth and monetary policy, intensifying volatility in international markets, and rising protectionism, which threaten global multilateral trade mechanisms.

LI BAODONG, SECRETARY-GENERA L BOAO FORUM FOR ASIA "We believe that globalization and free trade are inevitable trends of economic development; that multilateralism, dialogue and cooperation are the shared aspirations of most countries; and that openness and innovation are natural choices to sustain economic progress and globalization."

In addressing these challenges, the agenda at this year's forum will focus on an open economy, multilateral cooperation and innovation. The four-day conference will include some 50 official sessions, CEO dialogues and roundtable meetings.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang will deliver a keynote speech on Thursday.

LI BAODONG, SECRETARY-GENERAL BOAO FORUM FOR ASIA "The 2019 Boao Annual Meeting will be a widely watched event, providing an open, inclusive dialogue platform for stakeholders and sending a clear message on building a consensus on global governance."

CUI HUI'AO BO'AO, HAINAN PROVINCE "Established in 2001, the Boao Forum has evolved into one of the most prominent economic forums in Asia, which is dubbed by many as the 'Asian Davos.' As the world economy is facing numerous pressing challenges, how can we ward off a potential global economic slowdown, this year's forum aims to provide the Asian solutions. Cui Hui'ao, CGTN, Hainan Province."