The Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2008 opened on Saturday in Boao of south China's Hainan Province, focusing on the building of a Green Asia.

Chinese President Hu Jintao delivered a keynote speech at the official opening ceremony.

More than 1,700 politicians, business leaders, intellectuals and journalists from around the globe have gathered in the scenic town for the conference, which will conclude on Sunday.

Under the theme of "Green Asia: moving towards win-win through changes", the participants will discuss public-private partnerships in green energy sector, financial reform, and corporate social responsibility.

The forum also features climate change, the future of the Internet and the intense competition in global markets.

Established in 2001, the BFA is a pan-Asian platform of dialogue for key issues relating to Asia and the world. 

(Xinhua News Agency April 12, 2008)