The Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2009 officially opened in the scenic Boao town of south China's Hainan Province on Saturday, focusing on the role of Asian countries, especially emerging economies in this region, amid the global financial crisis.

Although Asian leaders lost a chance to discuss a prescription for the financial crisis at the ruined ASEAN summit in Thailand, the BFA undoubtedly offers a platform for political and business leaders to seek the "Asian value" in tackling the worst global economic turmoil in seven decades.

At the G20 London summit two weeks ago, voices of the emerging economies were heard by the developed countries on an unprecedented scale. However, that was far from enough. As another international convention focusing on the financial crisis, the BFA annual conference provided another opportunity for emerging Asian economies to better voice their views.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao delivered a keynote speech, "Strengthen confidence and deepen cooperation for win-win progress", at the opening plenary meeting.

He said that the conference, with "Asia: Managing Beyond Crisis" as its theme, is a highly important one. It will contribute to the efforts to build consensus, strengthen confidence, deepen cooperation and overcome the crisis.

CHINA'S STIMULUS PACKAGE PAYING OFF

Wen introduced the steps China has taken to cope with the severe impact of the global financial crisis, saying the country's package plan is already "paying off", and positive changes have taken place in the economy.

China's gross domestic production (GDP) rose 6.1 percent in the first quarter of this year, the slowest pace in a decade.

However, the situation is "better than expected", the premier said, citing pick-ups in investment, consumption and industrial output, as well as ample liquidity in the banking system.