On the afternoon of the 10th, Boao Forum for Asia Academy held a symposium on the economic situation in the New Year. Officials from international organizations such as OECD, ADB, ASEAN China Center, embassies of Australia, South Korea, Pakistan, Italy and other countries had a discussion on a wide range of topics including global economy, trade and investment, and Asian economic cooperation.

Participants generally agreed that trade protectionism is one of the biggest uncertainties facing the world economy in 2020, and called for strengthening multilateralism and international cooperation and maintaining a rules-based international trade order. Asia, as the most dynamic region in the world economy, should play a leading role in globalization and free trade, and further promote regional cooperation such as RCEP, China-Japan-ROK FTA negotiations and higher level and quality bilateral trade agreements.

The Academy’s vision and plans for academic research, academic reports, intellectual support, internal and external training were introduced at the meeting; the Departments of Forum Health, Education and Science & Technology, and the Forum Media and Cultural Affairs introduced the Global Health Forum, Global Economic Development and Security Forum and International Science and Technology Innovation Forum, which are in preparation, respectively. The participants showed their keen interest and hoped to follow up fwith the relevant departments of the Forum to explore the possibility of future cooperation.