The Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2025 concluded on Friday in Boao, south China’s Hainan Province, with a resounding call for openness and cooperation across the region.
Under the theme “Asia in the Changing World: Towards a Shared Future“, the forum emphasized the critical role of innovation, openness, and collaboration in driving economic growth in Asia and beyond.
“Innovation and regional cooperation are essential to addressing global challenges and promoting sustainable development,” said Frank-Juergen Richter, chairman of the international think tank Horasis and former director of the World Economic Forum. He highlighted the importance of countries working together to foster progress.
Carl Fey, professor of strategy at BI Norwegian Business School in Oslo, Norway, underscored the effectiveness of collaboration. “Collaboration is more effective, especially when some countries have forgotten to cooperate and are imposing large tariffs,” he said.
Lord Gerry Grimstone, former minister for investment in the United Kingdom, echoed these sentiments. “A trade war benefits nobody. We need to remember that global trade is good for people and economic growth,” he stated.
China’s ongoing commitment to opening up has significantly contributed to deepening regional cooperation in Asia. Jiang Ying, chair of market consultancy at Deloitte China, described the new era of Asian cooperation as reciprocal. “China continues to promote high-level opening up in the manufacturing sector and attract global enterprises by optimizing the business environment, which will ultimately help Asia’s economy,” she explained.
Denis Depoux, global managing director of Roland Berger, remarked on the positive impact of China’s policies. “China’s visa-free policies have made it convenient for foreign businesses to operate,” he noted, emphasizing the benefits for international enterprises.
The Boao Forum 2025 has reinforced the message that through openness, innovation, and cooperation, Asia can navigate the challenges of a changing world and work towards a shared prosperous future.
