Philippine official underlines Boao Forum’s role hinh anh 1Illustrative image (Source: Internet)

Hanoi (VNA) Philippine Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Manuel Teehankee has underlined that the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) is an important dialogue platform because it focuses on the challenges facing Asia and how Asia can contribute to world prosperity.

Speaking to the media on April 6 ahead of the forum, to be held in Hainan island of China on April 8-11, the official highlighted the significance of the event at a time when the international economy is facing certain challenges.

He held that the forum’s role is crucial in ensuring that Asia is at the forefront of economic growth and assures to the Asian peoples a unified approach to economic development, towards the target of inclusive growth and zero poverty for all of Asia.

Themed "An Open and Innovative Asia for a World of Greater Prosperity," this year, the BFA expects to draw over 2,000 delegates, including many heads of states, including Philippines’ President Rodrigo Duterte, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and the Netherlands’ PM Mark Rutte, along with the United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres and International Monetary Fund’S Director-General Christian Lagarde.

Formed in 2001, the BFA aims to facilitate Asia-Pacific economic cooperation to support the sustainable development of economies in the region and the world.-VNA
VNA