Forum calls for joint efforts to tap potential

Asian countries should work closely to unleash their full potential of comparative advantages for the common benefit of all, making collective efforts and converging to shape a brighter future for the Asia-Pacific region, global and regional leaders say.

Speaking at the Boao Forum for Asia Roundtable in Bangkok on Monday, Dennis Francis, president of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, called for Asia-Pacific countries to embrace open regionalism, handle regional affairs with mutual respect and equal rights, accelerate regional economic integration, and ensure the stability and resilience of global supply chains.

"The Asia-Pacific region is shaping the future of international cooperation, innovation and progress," he said. "By amplifying the diverse voices, perspectives and actions across Asia, the roundtable's esteemed gathering undoubtedly plays a vital role in fostering peace and prosperity on a regional and global scale."

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi sent a congratulatory letter to the opening of the roundtable, which is themed "Future of the World: from the Perspective of Asia".

"We should continue to promote deeper integration and better connectivity, pursue innovation-driven development, strengthen cooperation in such areas as new industrialization and artificial intelligence, and accelerate the development of new quality productive forces to create a future full of opportunities for all countries in Asia," said Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

Focusing on Asia

As the host country, China will continue to support the forum in focusing on Asia, keeping a global perspective, promoting cooperation and leading the way for the future, making greater contributions to the common development of countries in Asia and the world, he said.

Secretary-General of the forum Zhang Jun, in his welcome remarks, said that at this historic juncture for the world, Asia is duty-bound to take up its responsibility, strengthen strategic coordination, come up with Asian solutions and play a greater constructive role in shaping the shared future.

Chairman of the forum Ban Ki-moon urged the region to seize opportunities in seeking shared future of sustained peace and sustainable development.

"We are expected to bring Asian perspectives and solutions to those global challenges. No country can manage the challenges on its own. The only way out is the strong and sustained international cooperation," he said.

As one of the 29 initiating countries of the forum, Thailand called for all Asian countries to unite together, turn the tide in the global economy and unlock the untapped economic potential in new markets and industries of the future.

"We firmly believe that the multilateral system, with the UN at its core, remains critical in overcoming these challenges," said Eksiri Pintaruchi, Thailand's permanent secretary for foreign affairs. "The UN is undeniably the most inclusive platform, where the Global South can speak loudest and best heard."