Why was "Inclusive Development: Common Agenda and New Challenges" chosen as this year's theme for the BFA?

We hope this theme will promote a new model of development based on equality and balance in Asia to help countries and individuals benefit from globalization and regional economic integration.

Recovering from the financial crisis and maintaining steady growth have become the priority for the global economy. However, for China and Asia at large, achieving inclusive development is an even more pressing concern.

Since the outbreak of the global financial crisis, developing Asian economies have led the world in finding a way out of the recession and managed to maintain rapid economic growth. Between 2007 and 2010, the average growth rate of the world economy was 1.8 percent, while the growth of Asia reached 7.57 percent. However, economic growth in Asia remains uneven, and so does economic and social development in different Asian countries. Worse still, new problems have emerged in the process of rapid development across Asia. It's estimated that the highest GDP growth rate on the continent next year will jump to 11 percent, while the lowest might be only 0.8 percent. Even for countries enjoying rapid growth, the financial crisis has had a profound negative influence on their economic and social development.

Despite speedy economic growth, an Asian Development Bank report said the global economic crisis has stalled Asia's progress in improving quality of life for the poor.

Therefore, in spite of the rapid economic growth, Asian economies are confronted with the common task of inclusive development to allow all Asian countries to benefit from globalization and regional economic integration.

How has the development of the BFA helped speed up Asian economic integration in the past decade?

The BFA's greatest achievement has been its ability to build itself into a widely recognized platform for Asian issues. This year, we are committed to making it the best platform for discussions on both Asian issues and issues of emerging economies. By placing the emphasis on Asia, the BFA will pay more attention to emerging economies, while trying to increase attendance from political and business leaders from major emerging economies.

Asian economic integration is the tenet of the BFA. The BFA's founders believed that promoting Asian economic integration and strengthening cooperation among economies plays an important part in fulfilling the development goals of countries in Asia. This consensus was reached after the Asian financial crisis in 1997, becoming the basis for the development of the BFA. And due to complications and diversifications, Asian economic integration will take a long time, requiring lasting and strenuous efforts—the BFA will be there to see this integration through to fruition.

How will the BFA draw attention to Asian characteristics?

The BFA is an international forum focusing on Asia and emerging economies. In recent years, discussions on emerging economies, such as Brazil and India, and representatives from these countries have increased.

Because of its distinctive Asian characteristics, there were no precedents for the BFA to learn from. Learning from many of its own ups and downs, the BFA has gained experience in the search for its own model of development.

There are a lot of forums and conferences around the world, but the BFA is experiencing a growth in attendance, scale and influence, which we believe means approval from the rest of the world.

What's your plan for the forum's development in the future, and how will your past work experience may contribute to this new task?

There are both similarities and differences between the work of ambassador to the United States and secretary general of the BFA. Both positions require me to be well connected and to focus on communication in order to enhance mutual understandings and promote exchanges and cooperation. When I served as an ambassador, my relationship with economic circles was also an important part of diplomatic work. Now as secretary general of a business forum, I understand the BFA attracts high attention from governmental leaders around the world.

The differences lie in the fact that as an ambassador, I handled bilateral relations on behalf of China. As BFA Secretary General, I represent an international organization and coordinate between political, economic, academic and media circles.

Transitioning from a government official to the head of a non-government organization, I must make adjustments. First, I need to think more from the perspective of Asia as a whole and understand the wishes and requests of Asian governments and enterprises. Second, I understand the targets of my service are Asian and emerging economies. Third, my focus must change from politics to business. These changes will to some degree affect my personal working style, but my previous experience as a diplomat will surely help with my new career.

As Secretary General of the BFA, I will be devoted to making the forum a prime platform to address Asian issues and those from emerging economies, promote economic integration and cooperation on the continent, build a consensus among all partners, and make Asian voices heard around the world.