Chinese President Hu Jintao will deliver the keynote address at the 2005 FORTUNE Global Forum, which will bring multinational business leaders and top government officials from around the world together in China.

US-based FORTUNE Magazine announced that "China and the New Asian Century" is the theme of the ninth global forum to be convened in Beijing from May 16 to 18, next year. The program will include a mix of plenary sessions, workshops, and events. President Hu Jintao will welcome participants at the Global Forum 2005 opening ceremonies, China Radio International reported Tuesday.

More than 300 participants are expected to attend, including the leaders of major companies from the United States, Canada, Europe, South America, and Asia.

FORTUNE Magazine's Managing Editor Rik Kirkland describes Beijing as the capital of the world's most dynamic economy, saying it is the ideal setting for international business chiefs and policymakers to discuss, debate and assess the challenges and opportunities of the new Asian century.

The 2005 Forum in Beijing will be the ninth FORTUNE Global Forum, and the third held in China.

Source: CRI