Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) is proud to be the official host sponsor of this three-day event which will bring together some of the top decision-makers in the world of politics, business and commerce to discuss the issues, challenges and opportunities driving the global economy.

Chinese President Jiang Zemin will deliver the forum's opening address at a Gala Dinner on May 8. The 42nd President of the United States, William Jefferson Clinton, will give the closing speech on May 10.

On May 9, Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will deliver a keynote address.

Mike Rowse, director-general of investment promotion, said at a press conference Thursday that it was a privilege to host such an important international business conference with some 600 participants, and the forum promises to be an excellent one.

"This is a tremendous opportunity to introduce Hong Kong's advantages as a business city to some of the most important figures in the international business world," he added.

This year's theme, "Next Generation Asia," explores the new business landscape taking shape across the region. Topics include "Technology in Post-WTO China", "New Technologies Defining Business ...nd Beyond", "The Reality of Post-WTO Business in China ", "Where Asia has the Edge", "Corporate Governance in Asia", " Next Generation China^Leading members of Hong Kong's business community will also participate. Renowned international business leaders who will speak at the forum's 25 business sessions include Steve Ballmer, Microsoft; Michael Dell, Dell Computer Corporation; Jerry Yang, Yahoo! Inc; James Murdoch, STAR Group Ltd; Jeffrey Koo Jr, Chinatrust Commercial Bank; Charles Zhang, Sohu.com.Inc and Taizo Nishimuro, Toshiba Corporation.

InvestHK and FORTUNE are co-organizing a three-day cultural program for delegates' spouses to sample Hong Kong's unique East meets West culture. Highlights include a Chinese cookery demonstration and class, a Tai Chi class and a visit to the Hong Kong Heritage Museum.

Fortune Global Forum was first convened in Singapore in 1995. The annual event was then held in Barcelona in 1996; Bangkok in 1997; Budapest in 1998, Shanghai in 1999; and Paris in 2000.

(China Daily 05/04/2001)