By Wang Xu (China Daily)
Updated: 2008-04-12 07:38

BO'AO, Hainan: The annual Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) starts today in Hainan Island. High-profile participants, including President Hu Jintao, will discuss key issues such as sustainable growth and the impact of the subprime crisis.

This year's meeting has the theme: "Green Asia, Moving Toward Win-Win Through Change". Over three days, 1,700 delegates will discuss topics such as public-private partnerships in the green energy sector, financial reform and climate change.

Long Yongtu, the forum's secretary-general, said: "Asia has an increasingly important voice in global dialogue. So it's important for Asian leaders to exchange ideas and inspire each other to make greater achievements."

Hu will deliver a keynote speech this afternoon, after which 10 heads of state, including Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf, will address the forum.

On Sunday, former US Secretary of State Colin Powell will make the closing speech.

(China Daily 04/12/2008 page3)