Boao Forum to Be Held in China This Year... Schedule Undecided

Boao Forum Secretariat to Discuss Six Topics This Year Including Infectious Diseases, Green Growth, Digital, and International Cooperation
Likely to Emphasize Development Direction of Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] Despite the resurgence of COVID-19, China will hold the Boao Forum, known as the "Asian Davos Forum." However, the specific schedule has not been disclosed.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to Chinese media such as Global Times on the 13th, the Boao Forum Secretariat announced in a briefing the day before that it plans to hold the 2022 Boao Forum.

Li Baodong, the Secretariat Director, explained that this year's Boao Forum will discuss six topics: infectious diseases, the global economy, green and sustainable development, the digital economy, international cooperation, and governance for Asian regional cooperation. He added that leaders of major countries, government officials, heads of international organizations, business and academic figures will gather to discuss future-oriented topics.

Director Li said, "The Boao Forum is being held amid the ongoing politicization of technology trade and public health issues, which are affecting global economic recovery and shared development," and added, "The forum will discuss multilateralism and close international cooperation extensively." He also mentioned that the forum will include discussions on the opportunities and future development directions of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

RCEP, which officially came into effect on January 1, is the world's largest economic bloc with a population of 2.3 billion in participating countries. Currently, 10 countries including China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Brunei, Cambodia, and Laos have officially implemented it. South Korea officially implemented it on February 1, while Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Myanmar are awaiting ratification by their national parliaments.

He added that the specific schedule for the Boao Forum has not yet been decided. Considering the spread of COVID-19, it seems they intend to set a concrete opening date later. The Boao Forum is usually held in April. Taking into account the Beijing Winter Olympics in February and the Two Sessions (National People's Congress and Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference) in March, it is estimated to be held around mid to late April.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.