Boao Forum for Asia

Boao Forum For Asia

Boao Forum for Asia (博鳌亚洲论坛) is a non-government, non-profit international organization. It is the most prestigious and premier forum for leaders in government, business and academia in Asia and other continents to share visions on the most pressing issues in this dynamic region and the world at large. The Forum is committed to promoting regional economic integration and bringing Asian countries even closer to their development goals.

Initiated in 1998 by Fidel V. Ramos, former President of the Philippines, Bob Hawke, former Prime Minister of Australia, and Morihiro Hosokawa, former Prime Minister of Japan, Boao Forum for Asia was formally inaugurated in February 2001. Countries across the region have responded with strong support and great enthusiasm, and the world has listened attentively to the voice coming from a tiny, quiet and scenic island at the southernmost part of China – Boao, the permanent site of the Annual Conference of the Forum since 2002.

History

The last half-century has been witness to remarkable progress made in economic and social development by Asian countries. As a result, Asia's influence in international and regional affairs has been increasing steadily. Thanks to the economic take-off in East Asia over the past two decades, which is perceived by the world as the East Asian miracle, the overall Asian economy has developed rapidly. This has made Asia prominent among the regions in the world, which have undergone the most dynamic economic development. Although Asia has suffered a lot from the financial crisis at the end of the twentieth century, the Asia economies are now back on a path of recovery and economic stability due to their capacity for self-adjustment and reform. On account of the opening policy pursued by most Asian countries, the trade and investment links between them have been increasingly strengthened. Various forms of bilateral, regional, sub-regional, and trans-regional cooperation have gradually unfolded. Collaboration and exchanges in the fields of business, finance, science and technology, transportation, culture and the media are constantly increasing. East Asian cooperation (10+3) has already entered into a substantive stage. The economic integration within ASEAN, and the cooperation in the Lancangjiang-Mekong river basin and in the Tumenjiang river basin are underway. Trans-regional cooperation in the frameworks of ASEM and East Asia-Latin America Forum as well as APEC is also moving forward. It can be predicted that the prospects of Asian economic development and cooperation will be very bright.

In the new century, the trend of economic globalization and regionalization continues to develop, European economic integration process picks up speed and North American Free Trade Area (NAFTA) moves ahead. Under such a situation, Asian countries are promised great opportunities and are confronted with many severe challenges, predictable and unpredictable. It requires the Asian countries to strengthen the cooperation with other parts of the world as well as the collaboration and exchanges among themselves. It is now a common task for them to seek the way to face the challenges brought about by globalization, to sustain the healthy growth of the economy and strengthen their co-ordination and cooperation.

Although Asian countries have participated in many international conferences and organizations such as APEC and PECC, Asia as a whole lacks a forum, led by Asians and guided from perspectives of Asian interests and views, provides opportunity to exclusively discuss the Asia issues and aims at enhancing cooperation and exchanges among Asian countries, and between Asian countries and other parts of the world. Against this backdrop, in September 1998, former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke, former Japanese prime Minister Morihiro Hosokawa and former Filipino President Fidel V.ramos put forward the proposal to establish an Asian Forum, similar to the World Economic Forum headquartered in Davos.

The idea, once it was put forward, was warmly received by the related Asian countries. On October 8, 1999, H.E. Hu Jintao Vice Chairman of China met with H.E. Fidel V. Ramos and H.E. Bob Hawke who came to China especially for the Asian Forum. After the briefing by initiators of the conceived forum, H.E. Hu Jintao said that the Chinese Government always supports and attaches importance to multi-level, multi-channel and multi-type of regional cooperation and dialogue, the establishment of the forum would be conducive to promoting understanding, trust and cooperation among the countries of the region. The Chinese government would study the idea prudently and positively and would provide all necessary support and cooperation. Meanwhile, H.E. Hu Jintao emphasized that since the recognition, understanding and support of the related governments was vital to the establishment of the forum, China would wished to get itself further acquainted with the responses of other countries on this issue. It was followed successively with positive responses of the 25 countries in Asia.

Against this backdrop, the Inauguration Ceremony of the BFA was held on Feb.26-27, 2001 in Boao, Hainan Province, China. Former leaders from 26 countries including H.E. Mr. Yasuhiro Nakasone, former Prime Minister of Japan, H.E. Mr. Fidel V. Ramos, former President of the Philippines, H.E. Mr. Bob Hawke, former Prime Minister of Australia, H.E. Mr. Sergey Terechshenko, former Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, H.E. Mr. Punsalmaa Ochirbat, former President of Mongolia attended the Ceremony. H.E. President Jiang Zeming, H.E. Dr Mahathir bin Mohammad, Prime Minister of Malaysia, H.M. Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, the late King of Nepal, H.E. Mr. Nguyen Manh Cam, Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam also graced the occasion as our Guests of Honour by addressing the Ceremony. The BFA was officially launched at the Ceremony. Declaration of the BFA, Guidelines of the BFA Charter were adopted during the Ceremony. The Inauguration was a great success and gained wide spread concern from the international community.

Charter

This revision of the Charter is adopted by the Board meeting unanimously on October 25, 2002 in Beijing. This version is to be submitted to the GMM to be held in 2003 in Boao for approval.

Boao Forum for Asia Charter

Preamble

The representatives from Australia, the People's Republic of Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Kingdom of Cambodia, the People's Republic of China, the Republic of India, the Republic of Indonesia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Mongolia, the Union of Myanmar, the Kingdom of Nepal, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Republic of the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of Singapore, the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, the Republic of Tajikistan, the Kingdom of Thailand, Turkmenistan, the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam ("the 26 BFA Initial Countries") held a meeting in Boao, Hainan Province, the People's Republic of China (the PRC) and formally declared the establishment of Boao Forum for Asia on February 27, 2001.

The Charter is prepared in accordance with the principles set forth in the Declaration on Boao Forum for Asia and the Guidelines for the Charter of Boao Forum for Asia.

Chapter One: General

Article 1 Name

The name of the organization shall be Boao Forum for Asia (BFA).

Article 2 Nature

BFA shall be a non-governmental and non-profit international organization with a permanent principal location and hold meetings on regular basis.

Article 3 Objectives

1. BFA shall be Asia-based so as to promote and strengthen the economic exchanges, interaction and cooperation within the region as well as between the region and other parts of the world.

2. BFA shall provide a high-level venue of dialogue for governments, enterprises and academe to discuss economic, social, environment and other related issues.

3. BFA shall facilitate the ever-growing economic cooperation among its members and between the members and the non-members through its established networks with the governments, business community and academe.

Article 4 Legal Jurisdiction

BFA shall comply with the Constitution and applicable laws and regulations of the People’s Republic of China and shall respect local social customs and ethics.

Article 5 Domicile

The headquarters of BFA shall be permanently located at Boao, Hainan Province, PRC. BFA’s registered address shall be 1 Gold Coast Boulevard, Boao, Qionghai City, Hainan Province, PRC.

Chapter Two: Business Scope

Article 6 Business Scope

The business scope of BFA shall be as follows:

1. To convene annual conferences, seminars and workshops to discuss important issues pertaining to Asian and global economic and social development, including finance, trade, investment and environment, etc.;

2. To propose other regional and international initiatives in order to promote and strengthen the cooperative relationships between governments and economic entities in matters of commerce, trade and investment;

3. To monitor economic trends and other developments affecting global and regional economies;

4. To identify issues that might have impact upon trade, finance and social development. To collect and disseminate information to highlight opportunities for regional economic cooperation;

5. To facilitate contacts among enterprises within the region and between the region and other parts of the world through the network established by BFA;

6. To establish and maintain a globally influential research and training center with the capability to provide business communities with advanced management and technical skills;

7. To pursue independently or in collaboration with others such undertakings as conference and exhibition management, information-exchange, economic-analysis, personnel training and e-commerce, etc in pursuit of the overall goals of BFA.

Chapter Three: Membership

Article 7 Categories of Membership

1. There shall be two categories of Membership, namely Full Membership and Partial Membership.

Initial Members, Honorary Members and Foundation Members are Full Members. Ordinary Members are Partial Members.

2. Initial Members are former state/government leaders, well-known individuals, or non-profit organizations nominated by each of the 26 BFA Initial Countries within its allocation (two for each country), who participate in all BFA events including decision-making.

3. Honorary Members are individuals, enterprises and organizations who have made substantial and outstanding contributions to the establishment of BFA. There shall be no more than ten Honorary Members.

4. Foundation Members are individuals, corporations and organizations whose applications have been approved for participation in all BFA events including decision-making.

5. Ordinary Members are individuals, corporations and organizations whose applications have been approved for participation in BFA annual conferences and other events.

Article 8 Qualifications for Membership

All applicants for membership of BFA shall:

1. Intend to join BFA;

2. Agree to abide by the Charter;

3. Be influential in the field the applicant practices; and

4. Be willing to perform the obligations of membership in BFA.

Article 9 Accession

All applications for membership in BFA shall be made in writing and in accordance with the procedures prescribed by BFA, subject to review and approval by the BFA department concerned.

Article 10 Rights of Members

1. Each of the Full Members shall be entitled to the following rights:

(1) To speak, vote, elect or be elected to the Board of Directors at the BFA General Meetings of Members;

(2) To recommend topics for the Annual Conferences and any other BFA events;

(3) To participate in BFA annual conferences;

(4) To have direct access to interactions with government, business and academic leaders;

(5) To obtain information provided by BFA and to use the Economic Information Database affiliated to BFA website with appropriate authorizations;

(6) To seek business opportunities through the established network of BFA;

(7) To seek assistance from BFA for "enterprise diagnosis";

(8) To commission BFA to hold specific seminars or workshops on issues of its concern;

(9) To commission BFA to conduct marketing survey and to provide legal consultation on its business expansion programs;

(10) To commission BFA to search for talents and to conduct training programs;

(11) To have priority in providing sponsorship at or in hosting various events of BFA;

(12) To claim and announce "BFA Membership" under authorization in external communications and publicity;

(13) To be provided the auditing report done by an internationally recognized auditing firm;

(14) To enjoy preferential treatment for utilization of all facilities available at Boao Aquapolis; and

(15) Such other rights as shall be determined by the Board of Directors.

2. Each of the Ordinary Members shall be entitled to the following rights:

(1) To participate in BFA annual conferences;

(2) To obtain information provided by BFA and to use the economic information database affiliated to BFA website with appropriate authorizations;

(3) To seek business opportunities through the established network of BFA;

(4) To have the priority of participating in various business events organized by BFA;

(5) To commission BFA to search for talents and to conduct training programs;

(6) To partially enjoy preferential treatment for utilization of all facilities available at Boao Aquapolis; and

(7) Such other rights as shall be determined by the Board of Directors.

Article 11 Obligations of Members

The obligations of Members shall include:

1. To comply with and carry out all resolutions adopted by BFA;

2. To abide by the Charter and Rules and Regulations of BFA;

3. To attend General Meeting of Members and other events or activities organized by BFA;

4. To protect the legitimate interests of BFA;

5. To pay membership fees pursuant to the regulations of BFA;

6. To provide true and reliable information to BFA; and

7. Such other obligations as shall be determined by the Board of Directors.

Article 12 Withdrawal of Membership

The Member who wishes to withdraw from BFA shall give a written notice to the Secretary-General two months in advance.

The Member shall be refunded membership fees upon withdrawal from BFA in accordance with relevant regulations of BFA.

Article 13 Termination of Membership

The Secretariat, upon the approval of the Board of Directors, shall have the right to terminate the membership of a Member by reason of lawbreaking activities or failure to communicate with BFA for more than two years; provided however that such Member shall be entitled to prior notice and may apply for a hearing.

Chapter Four: Organization Structure, Appointment and Termination of Officials

Article 14 Organization Structure

The main bodies of BFA are as follows:

1. General Meeting of Members;

2. Board of Directors;

3. Secretariat;

4. Research and training Institute; and

5. Council of Advisors.

Article 15 General Meeting of Members

1. The General Meeting of Members is the ultimate authority of BFA ("the GMM"). It shall be held once every calendar year. BFA Secretariat shall be responsible for the preparation of and all arrangements for the GMMs. All Members shall be notified in advance about the related matters of the GMM.

2. The inability to send notice of the GMM or the non-receipt of such notice due to force majeure by any one or more Members, or the absence of one or more Members from the GMM shall not impact the proceedings of that meeting, provided th ere is a quorum.

3. The GMM shall have the authority to:

(1) Review and adopt Charter and any amendments to the Charter;

(2) Elect Members of the Board of Directors;

(3) Approve the annual report and annual budget submitted by the Secretariat and reviewed by the Board of Directors;

(4) Conduct such other business specified in the meeting agenda;

(5) Consider written motions presented and signed by at least one-fourth of the Full Members. The motions shall be submitted to the Secretariat at least two weeks prior to the date on which the GMM is to be held.

4. Resolutions of the GMM shall require the approval by a simple majority of the Full Members present at the GMM.

5. The Chair of the Board of Directors shall be the Chair of the GMM; or, in the Chair's absence, the Vice Chair or any other member of the Board of Directors designated by the Chair, may serve as Chair of the GMM. In addition, there shall be a number of Co-Chairs from among the Full Members.

Article 16 The GMM Quorum and Voting

1. The quorum required for each the GMM shall be one-third of the Full Members.

2. Each Full Member has one vote at any the GMM or Extraordinary General Meeting of Members of BFA. Voting will take place by a show of hands or, upon request by at least three Full Members or a member of the Board of Directors, by secret ballot. Voting by proxy shall be allowed in accordance with the rules prescribed by the GMM.

Article 17 Extraordinary General Meeting of Members

The Board of Directors, upon the written request of at least one-fourth of the Full Members, shall convene an Extraordinary General Meeting of Members for the purpose of deliberating any urgent matter that cannot be deferred until the next the GMM.

Article 18 The Board of Directors

1. The Board of Directors shall be the supreme executive body of the GMM and shall be responsible to the GMM.

2. The members of the Board of Directors shall be elected by the Full Members at the GMM with a simple majority.

3. The meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held once a year to coincide with the GMM at the headquarters of BFA.

4. Upon the request of at least three Board Members and approved by majority members, the Chair of the Board may call for a Special Meeting of the Board.

Article 19 Composition of the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors shall consist of eleven members. The first Board of /directors will have a term of five years and the later Boards of Directors will have a term of three years.

1. Seven members shall be elected from the Foundation Members and Initial Members amongst themselves and are eligible for re-election;

2. Two members shall be elected from the Honorary Members amongst themselves and are eligible for re-election;

3. The Secretary-General and a representative of the Boao Aquapolis shall be ex-officio members of the Board of Directors;

4. No more than 4 of its members shall come from the same country/economy.

Subject to approval by the GMM, the number of Directors of the Board may be changed.

Article 20 Chair and Vice Chair of the Board of Directors

1. There shall be a Chair and a Vice Chair of the Board of Directors.

2. The Chair and Vice Chair shall be elected by at least two-thirds of the Members of the Board of Directors in a meeting of such Board. The election of the Chair shall follow the principle of balanced distribution among geographical areas.

3. The Vice Chair shall be a representative from the host city -- Boao.

4. The Chair and Vice Chair for the first Board shall serve a term of five years and shall be eligible for re-election. The Future Chair and Vice Chair will have a term of three years.

5. Should the Chair cease to be Chair for any reason, the Vice Chair shall serve as acting Chair until next Board meeting, at which a replacing Chair shall be elected for the remaining term.

Article 21 Responsibilities of the Board of Directors

The responsibilities of the Board of Directors include:

1. To review BFA annual reports and annual budgets presented by the Secretariat for submission to the GMM;

2. To appoint the Secretary-General and deputy Secretary-Generals of BFA;

3. To review Amendments to the Charter of BFA;

4. To approve and adopt substantive rules and regulations of BFA;

5. To decide to convene the GMM, review and adopt the proposed agenda of the GMM; and

6. To implement other responsibilities that may be delegated by the GMM.

Article 22 Adoption of Resolutions by the Board of Directors

Except stipulated otherwise in the Charter and pertinent Rules, any resolution of the Board of Directors shall require approval by a simple majority of the members present at the meeting and come into effect thereupon. Each member of the Board has one vote.

Board of Directors may pass resolutions on urgent and important matters in a non-meeting pattern.

Article 23 Responsibilities of the Chair of the Board of Directors

The responsibilities of the Chair shall be as follows:

1. The overall superintendence and control of the activities of BFA;

2. To preside over the meetings of the Board of Directors and the GMM;

3. To oversee the development and formulation of short and long term plans and programs in pursuit with the objectives and the promotion of the interests of BFA;

4. To sign on behalf of BFA, correspondence, messages and letters which are non-contractual, non-binding and non-executive in nature as may be authorized by the Board of Directors;

5. To report to the GMM on the activities of the Board of Directors; and

6. To perform other functions as designated by the Board of Directors.

Article 24 Responsibilities of the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors

1. To assist the Chair in fulfilling his/her duty;

2. To perform the responsibilities of the Chair when the latter is unable to carry out his/her official duties;

3. To perform other functions as designated by the Board of Directors.

Article 25 The Secretariat The Secretariat shall be the standing executive body of BFA. Its responsibilities are as follows:

1. To prepare and organize all BFA meetings;

2. To implement all the resolutions of the GMM and the Board of Directors;

3. To prepare annual reports and annual budgets of BFA to be submitted to the Board of Directors for its review;

4. To raise and manage fund for BFA;

5. To draft or revise the rules and regulations of BFA to be submitted to the Board of Directors for approval;

6. To handle Membership application and withdrawal, conduct daily liaison work and related services;

7. To develop，with the assistant of the RTI and provide economic forecast on issues consistent with the goals and policies of BFA. Once the RTI functions properly, this function will be transferred to the RTI;

8. To provide，with the assistant of the RTI, intellectual resources for BFA conferences, seminars, and workshops. Once the RTI functions properly, this function will be transferred to the RTI;

9. To provide，with the assistant of the RTI, human resources development program for members and other partners of BFA. Once the RTI functions properly, this function will be transferred to the RTI;

10. To establish，with the assistant of the RTI, a virtual network and a clearinghouse for other research and training institutes in Asia and elsewhere. Once the RTI functions properly, this function will be transferred to the RTI;

11. To implement other responsibilities which may be designated by the Board of Directors; and

12. To assist the Chair in discharging his/her duties.

Article 26 The Secretary-General

The Secretary-General is the chief executive officer of BFA and head of the Secretariat. The Secretary-General shall serve a term of 5 years and may be extended by the Board of Directors.

The Secretary-General shall be responsible for the following:

1. Managing the day-to-day operation of BFA and representing BFA;

2. Presiding at all BFA meetings other than the GMM and meetings of the Board of Directors;

3. Implementing the rules and regulations approved by the Board of Directors;

4. Hiring, promoting and dismissing personnel at the Secretariat;

5. Submitting proposals to the Board of Directors on the restructuring of the functional departments of the Secretariat and BFA's representative offices;

6. Such other businesses that may be entrusted by the Board of Directors.

Article 27 Deputy Secretary-Generals

There shall be a number of Deputy Secretary-Generals as decided by the Board of Directors. The Deputies should be nominated by the Secretary-General and appointed or dismissed by the Board of Directors. If the nomination is from other members of the Board, verification from the Secretary General shall be obtained before it is submitted to the Board of Directors for approval. The Deputies shall serve a term of 5 years with the possibility of extension by the Board of Directors.

The responsibilities of the Deputy Secretary-Generals shall include:

1. Assisting the Secretary-General in managing the day-to-day operation;

2. Performing the responsibilities of the Secretary-General when the latter is unable to carry out his/her official duties;

3. Such other tasks as delegated by the Secretary-General.

Article 28 Termination of Secretary-General and Deputy Secretary-Generals The Secretary-General and Deputy Secretary-Generals shall cease to hold the position, upon:

1. Resignation, by sending a written notice of resignation three months in advance to the Chair of the Board of Directors;

2. Resolution approved by a two-thirds vote at the meeting of the Board of Directors. Under this circumstance, the Secretary-General and Deputy Secretary-Generals shall be entitled to apply for a hearing;

3. Incapability to perform the duties of the office; or

4. Conviction by a competent court for a criminal offence.

Article 29 The Research and Training Institute

The Research and Training Institute is the important intellectual support to BFA. Its major functions include, among other things, to identify the theme and sub-topics for annual conference; to develop and provide economic forecast on issues consistent with the goals and policies of BFA; to provide intellectual resources for BFA conferences, seminars, and workshops; to provide human resources development program for members and other partners of BFA; to establish a virtual network and a clearinghouse for other research and training institutes in Asia and elsewhere.

The head of the RTI shall be nominated by the Secretary-General, in an open manner, and approved by the Board.

Article 30 The Council of Advisors

1. There shall be Council of Advisors consisting of 26 chief representatives from 26 BFA Initial Countries.

2. The Council of Advisors shall meet as the need arises to provide consultation and suggestions on significant issues and matters affecting BFA.

3. The Advisors shall not receive compensation except for their expenses incurred in relation to their duties towards BFA, which authorizes their mission be paid by BFA.

Chapter Five: Fund and Assets Management and Usage

Article 31 The Sources of BFA Fund

1. Membership fees;

2. Participation fees;

3. Donations;

4. Government sponsorships;

5. Income from events and services within the business scope of BFA;

6. Interests of BFA financial resources; and

7. Other income.

Article 32 Use of Fund

All the funds of BFA shall be used to achieve the goals of BFA and be pursuant to the business scope set forth in this Charter and related regulations.

Article 33 Financial Management

1. BFA shall comply with internationally accepted accounting principles and accounting rules of the host country and shall ensure that the financial books and records are legal, accurate and complete.

2. Each year there shall be an audit of the accounts of BFA by an internationally recognized auditing company.

3. The insurance, welfare and other employment benefits of BFA staff shall be in compliance with applicable regulations of the host country.

Chapter Six: Amendments to the Charter

Article 34 Procedure to Amend the Charter

1. Any amendment to the Charter shall be submitted by the Secretariat to the Board of Directors for their review and shall be approved by the GMM.

2. The amendments to the Charter shall come into effect upon the adoption by the GMM.

Chapter Seven: Dissolution

Article 35 Procedure for Dissolution

BFA shall be dissolved by the following procedures:

1. A resolution to dissolve BFA shall be adopted by the Board of Directors and submitted to the GMM;

2. A resolution to dissolve BFA, in accordance with the resolution adopted by the Board of Directors, shall be adopted by the GMM; and

3. Registrar of the host country shall be informed of the resolution of the GMM.

Prior to the dissolution of BFA, a liquidation committee shall be established, in compliance with the international practice and the applicable laws and regulations of the host country, for the purpose of liquidating all of the assets and liabilities of BFA.

Residual assets, if any, after payment of all debts and refund of membership fees, shall be contributed to, or disposed of in activities related to the vision of BFA under the supervision of the Registrar.

Chapter Eight: Supplementary Provisions

Article 36 Supplementary Rules and Regulations

Matters not specified in this Charter will be formulated in relevant rules and regulations. After its adoption by the Board of Directors, the rules and regulations shall come into effect.

Article 37 Language

The official working languages of BFA shall be English and Chinese.

Article 38 Interpretation The authority to interpret provisions of the Charter shall rest upon the Board of Directors.

Article 39 Effective Date

This Charter shall come into effect as of the date on which it is approved by the GMM of BFA. Done at Boao, Hainan Province, PRC.

Organization

Nature

The BFA shall be a non-government and non-profit international organization.

Objectives

The Forum is Asia-based so as to prompt the economic exchanges and cooperation within the region; it is also globally-envisioned so as to promote dialogue and economic cooperation between Asian countries and other parts of the world.

The Forum will provide a high-level venue of dialogue for governmental officials, business leaders and academia to discuss various issues like economic, social development, population and environment, etc.

The Forum will provide its members through its established channels with government, business and academic community services like policy consultation, authoritative information, training and cooperation opportunities.

Vision statement

Strive to become the premier Forum, promoting the development goals of Asian countries through greater regional economic integration.

Business scope

The BFA will engage in or strive to do the following:

Convene conferences, seminars, and workshops on a regular basis to discuss important issues pertaining to Asian economic and social development, particularly issues of finance, trade, investment, technology, and environmental protection;

Complement other regional and international initiatives, in order to strengthen and intensify partnerships between governments and business enterprises in matters of trade and investment;

Monitor economic trends which impact upon global and regional economies;

Collect and disseminate information, particularly concerning emerging issues affecting trade and finance, and to highlight new opportunities for regional cooperation;

Pursue both in-house and collaborative research activities which will contribute to the overall goals of the BFA;

Facilitate contacts among enterprises in the region through the development of networking arrangements; and

Become a global center for research and graduate training, in order to equip business communities with advanced management and technological capabilities.