Almost every spring since 2001, Hainan and its coastal town of Boao have been in the spotlight because of the Boao Forum for Asia, which is an important platform for discussions about economic integration and cooperation. It is also a chance for Hainan and Boao to benefit.

 

　　Luo Baoming, top official of Hainan, says that the forum has become a milestone in the history of Hainan's opening up.

 

　　"Hainan is building itself into an International Tourism Island, and the Boao Forum for Asia is a huge positive impulse in this process. For China, it is a platform for diplomacy and cooperation, and for Hainan, it has been an opportunity to meet the world."

 

　　Hainan has seized opportunity to collect experience for its development at the forum. For example, in the 2007 annual conference, the provincial government reached out Bill Gates, who was an honorable guest, for a joint project between the province and Microsoft.

 

　　On the same occasion, Hainan contacted another guest Muhammad Yunus, who won the Nobel Peace Prize because of his help to the poor through micro-finance in Bangladesh. Hainan borrowed his experience of providing small-amount loans, and launched such service to local rural people, helping them with some small business and ease poverty.

 

　　In addition to the cooperation with forum guests, Hainan and Boao have gained more benefits.

 

　　Wang Liya, Professor of School of Economics and Management at Hainan University, says that local people have enjoyed the employment opportunities and income rise brought by the forum.

 

　　"Boao is a place that combines local features and international atmosphere. The infrastructure there is very good, with easy transport like high-speed railways. Because of the forum, services for travelers are also improving, like accommodations and golf. Local people benefit a lot from a rising Boao."

 

　　Wang Liya adds that a visit to the forum venue is popular among group travelers to Hainan. Every year, about 2 million travelers do so, which makes the forum venue a highlight in the tour around the Hainan Island.

 

　　Meanwhile, Li Lixun, Professor with the Geography and Planning School of Sun Yat-Sen University in Guangzhou, believes that Boao Forum for Asia is not a once-in-a-year event. More things should be done throughout the year.

 

　　"Hainan should look at the bigger picture of the event rather than just the forum itself. A diversified economic strategy is needed, like cultural tourism and ecological fishing. The forum is a key aspect, it is also a beginning. More things could be done and more local people could be involved."

 

　　The annual gathering gets underway this weekend. Officials say Hainan and the town of Boao once again set themselves to explore new opportunities.

 

　　For CRI, I'm XYee.