（魔术英语网www.ms115.com整理） Fidel V. Ramos, former president of the Philippines and chairman of the BFA board of directors, said at the opening ceremony that the forum seeks to enhance understanding and communication that transcend regional, political, economic, geographical and cultural boundaries.
To promote innovation and sustainable development in Asia is to help build a harmonious world of lasting peace and shared prosperity, said Ramos.
Wu defined "harmony" as fundamental to Asia's development, saying that harmony is a good tradition and should be carried forward.
"We should respect the diversity of civilizations, encourage dialogue on an equal footing among civilizations, expand common ground while shelving differences," he said.
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Despite the robust economic growth among Asian nations, the region is worried about how to achieve sustainable development in face of pollution and energy shortage.
Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said that the most urgent problem for Asian nations is to change the development mode, solve problems in environment and bring the benefits of the economic growth to poor people.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) promised to build an integrated trade zone and has taken a brave step towards an organization like the European Union, said Arroyo.
The ASEAN nations will strengthen political and economic cooperation with other partners in Asia, said Arroyo, adding that the BFA will provide such a mechanism for the cooperation and a new mode of Asian development is expected to be achieved in the process.
Wu called for Asian nations to pursue a new strategy for industrialization which is high-tech driven, resources-efficient and environment-friendly and fully taps the strengths of human resources. 1604.cn
Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said that Asia should make good use of its advantages in intelligence and human resources to create economic growth and face up to the challenge of sustainable development with private and government measures.
"We need to strive towards sustainable development through collaboration in the areas of natural resources and the environment. We need to focus on pursuing new value creation based on innovative technology partnerships," said Chey Tae Won, chairman of the SK Group.
Bill Gates, chairman of computer software giant Microsoft, said in his keynote speech that investment and changes in Asia have brought great opportunities for innovation. Microsoft plans to use60 percent of its research and development resources in Asia.
During the two-day conference, more than 1,400 of the most influential politicians, business leaders and intellectuals from Asia and around the globe will discuss topics concerning the Asian economic community, Asian values, corporate social responsibility and innovation in the banking and telecommunications sectors. mmkey.com
The BFA, established in 2001, is a non-governmental organization serving as a platform voicing for Asia's future. The 2007 conference, with the theme "Asia Winning in Today's Global Economy -- Innovation and Sustainable Development", will run from Saturday to Sunday in Boao.
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