China eyes closer Asian cooperation at BFA

China will expound its policies on pushing ahead with Asian economic integration and regional cooperation and implementing cooperation initiatives at the upcoming Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2014. China will also introduce the overall thinking and key measures to develop its economy, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said Wednesday. Founded in 2001, the BFA is a non-governmental and non-profit international organization committed to regional economic integration and bringing Asian countries closer to their development goals. "We hope the participants will discuss and reach consensus on how to maintain economic stability and growth momentum in Asia and emerging economies, and work together for a better future of Asia," he said. Hong told a regular press briefing that the conference with the theme of "Asia's New Future: Identifying New Growth Drivers" will be held in south China's Hainan Province from April 8 to 11. Reform, innovation and sustainable development will be its principle lines. Participants will discuss topics including the current global financial situation, Asian financial cooperation, infrastructure connectivity, regional free trade and multilateral trade systems, he added. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang will attend the opening ceremony of the conference on April 10 and make a keynote speech, according to the ministry's daily press briefing on Tuesday. Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Kazakh Prime Minister Serik Akhmetov, Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea Jung Hong-won, Prime Minister of Laos Thongsing Thammavong, Namibian Prime Minister Hage Geingob, Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, Timor-Leste's Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich and Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam will also attend the forum.