BFA not trying to undermine Davos: BFA Chairman Ramos

The Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) has no intention of replacing the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, said BFA chairman Fidel Ramos on Friday.

Ramos, former president of the Philippines, told a press conference that the aim of the BFA is to provide a platform for Asian economies to discuss macroeconomic issues and subjects closely related to the life of Asian people.

Ramos said many BFA attendees have taken part in Davos activities. But the BFA is a more suitable venue for discussing Asian matters, he said.

Long Yongtu, secretary-general of the BFA, said the WEF discusses Asia-related issues but the discussions are marginal and often inaccurate.

Long said the BFA knows more about Asian topics. Typically, at the WEF, it is Europeans and Americans talking about China and Asia, and they often miss the point, he said.

He said Asia has attracted increasing attention from the world with its rapid economic growth and remarkable achievements in recent years.

The BFA, established in 2001, is an annual event for political, business and academic leaders from Asia and other parts of the world.

The 2007 conference on the theme "Asia Winning in Today's Global Economy -- Innovation and Sustainable Development" will run from April 20 to 22 in Boao, a coastal town and the permanent BFA site in Hainan province, south China.

Some 1,410 people from 36 countries and regions are expected to attend the conference, according to Long.

Source: Xinhua