Page 7 - BOAO2017-program-ebook

直面全球化與自由貿易的未來–青年的角色 The Future of Globalization and Free Trade — Role of the Youth

Mr. Zhou Wenzhong
Secretary General of the Boao Forum for Asia

The world is undergoing changes and adjustments in the global economy and governance. It is our sincere hope that globalization will progress in
a way that is more open, inclusive, balanced and benefits all. Anybody who attempts to practice trade protectionism and anti-globalism is doomed
to fail.

This wave of globalization is characterized by the emergence of the new economy as represented by information technology. Innovation has become
a sustainable driver of technology progress, creative business models and the transformation of both emerging and traditional industries. This will
provide invaluable opportunities for the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao greater bay area. It’s also my belief that it will provide
golden opportunities for Hong Kong youth to unleash their potential.

The 2017 Boao Youth Forum for Asia will explore the new trends and characteristics of economic globalization as well as issues ranging from new
changes and opportunities of the world economy to new directions and breakthroughs of the technology revolution. I hope the discussion of these
issues will not only help Hong Kong youth better grasp global and regional economic trends, but will also help them better grow into the future and
join the ranks of future leaders for the new era.

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