Boao Forum for Asia kicks off

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The event also places a great deal of importance on the increasing role that emerging economies play in the global financial arena.

Long Yongtu (back, L), Secretary General of Boao Forum for Asia (BFA), Fidel Valdez Ramos (back, C), BFA Chairman of  Board of Directors and former President of Philippines and Bob Hawke (back, R), former Australian Prime Minister attend the BFA Members General Meeting in Boao, a scenic town in  south China's Hainan Province, April 16, 2009. The BFA  Members General Meeting was held here on Thursday. (Xinhua/Huang Xiaoyong)

The Boao Forum for Asia held its first annual conference in April 2001. It's since developed into one of the most important forums, especially in Asia.