RIYADH, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Zhang Jun, secretary general of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA), has underlined the growing importance of regional cooperation in addressing the challenges posed by unilateralism and protectionism, saying such cooperation can strengthen the security, diversity, and stability of industrial and supply chains, thereby boosting regional economic resilience.
In a recent exclusive interview with Xinhua on the sidelines of the BFA Riyadh Conference 2025, which was held from Wednesday to Thursday in the Saudi capital Riyadh, Zhang said conference participants widely agreed that adhering to open development is the right approach to addressing global challenges.
Openness not only refers to opening markets, but also to upholding the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits. It reflects inclusiveness, mutual learning, and win-win cooperation, while firmly opposing unilateralism and protectionism, he explained.
Zhang noted that the world is undergoing profound changes and transformation. While global economic and trade activities face pressure from unilateralism and protectionism, making industrial and supply chain security and stability a shared priority, the world economy is also entering a new phase of transformation, he said.
Emerging growth drivers, including the digital and green economies, are creating fresh opportunities for regional cooperation and economic transition, he added.
The BFA Riyadh Conference, held under the theme "Transition towards regional economic diversification and sustainable development," brought together over 300 guests from more than 10 countries, regions, and international organizations. Participants discussed key topics including regional economic resilience, energy transition, and sustainable development.
"By hosting this conference, we aim to encourage all parties to strengthen solidarity and cooperation, jointly tackle challenges, safeguard economic security and the stability of industrial and supply chains, and promote national and regional economic resilience through diversified development amid global economic transformation, thereby tapping into greater development space and potential," Zhang said.
"Participants acknowledged that the transformation of the world economy is an irreversible trend and called for increased investment in emerging sectors -- such as the digital economy, green economy, and new energy -- to enhance economic resilience and unlock new development opportunities," he noted.
During the conference, participants spoke highly of China's contributions to promoting open cooperation, advancing global economic governance and driving energy transition, according to Zhang.
He noted that many speakers highlighted China, as the world's second-largest economy, for its steadfast commitment to multilateralism, pursuit of open development, and implementation of measures to expand high-standard opening-up, sending confidence and positive signals to the international community.
According to Zhang, many Saudi scholars and entrepreneurs see great promise in future cooperation with China. They also praised the Summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) and China held in May, regarding it as a highly significant strategic initiative.
He added that strengthened trilateral cooperation among China, ASEAN, and the GCC will open new opportunities to enhance the regional cooperation framework and promote mutually beneficial partnerships for all parties.
Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Hainan, the BFA has long been a platform for regional dialogue. Often referred to as the "Asian Davos," the forum brings together political and business leaders to discuss trade, investment and technology, with growing participation from Global South countries in recent years.
According to Zhang, the BFA Annual Conference 2026 will take place from March 24 to 27 in Boao in southern China's Hainan Province.
"Given the current global landscape, the forum will play an even greater role in helping participants understand new developments, create opportunities, and expand areas of cooperation to achieve shared growth and jointly build a better future," he said. ■
