Asian Financial Forum opens focusing growth

Under the theme of "Asia: Driving Sustainable Growth", the forum pays attention to the opportunities in Asia, particularly the Chinese mainland. It also looks at the global economy and Asia 's role in contributing to sustainable growth.

The two-day forum opened this morning with addresses from Hong Kong SAR Government Chief Executive Donald Tsang and HKTDC Chairman Jack So.

"Here in Asia, inflationary pressure is relatively light. Governments have achieved generally balanced budgets. Banking systems are stable and borrowing is inexpensive," said Tsang, addressing the forum's main theme. "These sound fundamentals," he noted, "provide a solid platform for growth and stability."

So said that this year's theme was particularly timely, "because we all realize that Asia, especially China, is reshaping the world economic landscape, and Hong Kong is China's international financial capital." So added that the forum "serves as an annual reminder of the vital role played by Hong Kong in serving the region and the world."

Seven workshops are scheduled Tuesday, including the "Rise of the RMB Zone - Trade, Investment and Asset Management in the Coming Decade." Other forum workshops spotlight China and the rest of Asia: partnering with the world, South Korea's new investment environment, and opportunities in Russia and the CIS countries. In addition, Joseph Stiglitz, Nobel laureate in economics and Columbia University professor, US, will deliver the keynote luncheon address. A breakfast panel will be dedicated to Japan's reconstruction.

Some 2,000 finance, business and government leaders from around the world are taking part in the forum, which is organized by the Hong Kong SAR Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).

This year's forum will once again present Deal Flow, a half-day, deal-making session jointly organized by the HKTDC and the Hong Kong Venture Capital and Private Equity Association. Deal Flow features one-on-one meetings between companies with investment projects and potential collaborators.