The Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2026 concluded successfully on March 27, drawing significant global attention and reinforcing investor confidence in China’s economic trajectory. This year’s forum emphasized emerging global dynamics and international cooperation, attracting widespread interest from foreign investors.
Key discussions centered on China’s 15th Five-Year Plan and the preferential tax and trade policies in Hainan Free Trade Port, both seen as pivotal drivers for future investment opportunities.
Denis Depoux, Global Co-President of Roland Berger’s Management Committee, noted, “China’s 15th Five-Year Plan provides a clear roadmap for businesses. It strengthens our commitment to the Chinese market and offers a reliable framework for long-term investment decisions.”
Mohammad Abunayyan, Founder of ACWA Power, highlighted the importance of water security, stating, “We believe desalination is crucial for China’s water security and an integral part of the 15th Five-Year Plan. The plan lays out a very clear roadmap. Our goal is straightforward: to invest at least $30 billion in China by 2030, and potentially more. We are highly confident about this prospect.”
Michele Geraci, former Undersecretary of State at Italy’s Ministry of Economic Development, pointed to the advantages of Hainan’s duty-free policies. “Italian products can be exported to Hainan under duty-free arrangements and sold within the island. If these goods achieve at least 30 percent value addition through processing in Hainan, they can enter other parts of mainland China without tariffs. This presents a valuable opportunity for European, particularly Italian, companies,” he said.
Eduardo Pedrosa, Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat, emphasized regional connectivity and energy concerns. “This year, we are focusing on enhancing connectivity among APEC economies and identifying practical steps forward. Amid global uncertainty over electricity and fuel prices, solar energy offers a viable alternative. This creates an excellent opportunity to boost trade between China and other countries in the region,” he remarked.
The forum underscored a growing global consensus on China’s strategic development plans and its expanding role as a key destination for international investment.
Source: Xueyi-Touhid-Zinnia, China Media Group.