By Fu Jing (China Daily)
Updated: 2008-04-12 07:38

BO'AO, Hainan: It seems politicians and business leaders like beautiful settings for their talks. The ski resort of Davos, Switzerland, fits the bill and so too does this picturesque fishing town on Hainan Island.

But it is not just the men in suits who are making the most of the Boao Forum for Asia. Since it first hosted the first event in 2001, this once forgotten town and its people have enjoyed a renaissance.

With the emergence of top hotels, conference centers and golf courses, local people were given new opportunities.

"I thought I would become a fisherman, but a few years ago, I got a job as a caddy at a golf course," Qiu Rongyao said.

"I liked working there, as the people playing were celebrities and well-known businessmen. It gave me an opportunity to learn," the 22-year-old said.

Ten years ago, there were only about 30 families living in Bo'ao. And for people of Qiu's generation, there were two options: be a fisherman or head to the city as a migrant worker.

As one of the new hotels was built in the village where Qiu's parents live they were compensated with a plot of land and $10,000. They now live in a new two-story house.

Qiu has put away his golf clubs and now drives shuttle buses at the Kempinski Hotel.

"We have benefited from the changes. And although my monthly salary (less than $150) is far from ideal, at least it's stable," Qiu said.

According to local government figures, since 2000, the per capita annual income in Bo'ao has tripled to $550, but it is still below the national urban average of $600.

However, for Zhang Guang, a 23-year-old native of Hunan province, living in Bo'ao is not just about money.

"Although my wages are low, the scenery here is a reward in itself," he said.

It is also a place where he can encounter "great minds" from around the world, he said.

(China Daily 04/12/2008 page3)