The Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) 2025 concluded in Hainan Province with a resounding call for cross-border collaboration to address global economic headwinds. Held under the theme "Asia in the Changing World: Towards a Shared Future," the event spotlighted innovation and open markets as catalysts for sustainable development.
"Collaboration is more effective when many are turning to protectionism," said Carl Fey, strategy professor at BI Norwegian Business School, referencing recent tariff escalations by some countries. Former UK investment minister Lord Gerry Grimstone echoed this sentiment: "Trade wars benefit nobody – we must defend the proven link between open commerce and prosperity."
Experts praised China's role in modeling regional interdependence through policy reforms. Deloitte China's Jiang Ying highlighted reciprocal opportunities created by Beijing's manufacturing sector liberalization and streamlined business regulations. Roland Berger's Denis Depoux noted: "Visa-free policies are easing operational barriers, making China an accelerant for Asian growth."
The forum reinforced Asia's position as a laboratory for economic innovation, with Horasis chairman Frank-Juergen Richter stating: "This is where solutions to climate challenges and supply chain resilience will be stress-tested."
