Bo'ao Forum to Focus on "Inclusive Development"

This year's Bo'ao Forum for Asia will start today in Hainan.

The theme of this year's conference has been changed from "Inclusive Increase" to "Inclusive Development".

The forum's new secretary-general Zhou Wenzhong says the changing of the single word actually has profound meaning behind it.

"I think 'Inclusive Development' means more than 'Inclusive Increase'. It means that the forum's topics will extend from just sustainable economic growth to people's livelihood, equitable income distribution, win-win development of economic entities and other fields. Inclusive Development, as a crucial aspect of sustainable development, is full of practical significance at present."

Zhou says many emerging nations now face difficulties with their medical care, environmental protection and inflation, following years of rapid economic expansion.

As such, he argues "Inclusive Development: Common Agenda and New Challenges" is an apt and timely theme.

This year's forum is expected to play host to around 14-hundred people from around the world and will last till Saturday.