-HM King Birendra, Boao, China

Kathmandu: Below we produce the full text of His Majesty King Birendra’s address to the inaugural ceremony of the Forum for Asia held in Boao, Hainan, China on 27 February, 2001-Chief editor:

Mr. Chairman, His Excellency President Jiang zemin; Excellencies; Distinguished delegates, Ladies and gentlemen:

It is indeed a pleasure for me to address this august gathering in the serene environment of this beautiful city of Boao. I would also like to take this occasion to thank the Government of the People’s Republic of China for inviting us to this Opening Ceremony marking the establishment of the Forum for Asia-an organisation, which, I believe, has immense potentials in reflecting the aspirations of the peoples of Asia.

Mr. Chairman, the countries of Asia, we know, are diverse in their cultures and traditions and are proud inheritores of some of the world’s ancient and enduring civilisations. It is also true our continent has vast human and natural resources. Yet, there still exists disparity in the level and pace of development between the regions. As we enter this millennium, mindful of the rapidly changing world in the context of the IT revolution, globalisation and privatisation, it has now become incumbent upon us to chart a definite course to reduce this disparity and achieve equitable and sustainable development so that the future generations can live with dignity and honour.

We are indeed happy to note that co-ordinated efforts have been initiated towards forging greater regional co-operation amongst nations in the fields of human resource development, trade and investment, as well as, in the areas of science and technology. In my own region, South Asia, it has been our endeavour, since 1985, to enhance economic co-operation, social progress and cultural development through the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation-SAARC. My own country, Nepal, has also opened her economy with a view to developing and sharing resources-like the waters from the snow-capped Himalayas-for the collective benefit of all the peoples of our region.

In the past few decades, we have seen remarkable economic and social transformation the world over. The process of globalisation has gained momentum crossing all geographical barriers and opening new avenues for trade and market economy. This phenomenon has provided countries with opportunities for economic and social growth, yet it is not without difficulties. For many countries, they are daunting and challenging. Such countries wish to develop the capacity to integrate themselves within the global mainstream. Protecting their interests as they move ahead should be given due consideration.

A common forum, founded for and by the peoples of Asia, articulating different issues from the Asian perspective is essential in helping us to utilise and maximise the positive aspects of the prevailing world order in the collective interest of our nations and region. We are happy to not that such an organisation is finally being set up here in Boao. We would like to congratulate all those who had the vision and took the initiative to establish this Forum. We wish to see it develop in to a center of excellence and succeed in realising its mission by developing itself as a platform for voicing the concerns and aspirations of the Asian countries and in enhancing co-operation among ourselves, both regionally and globally, in a true spirit of mutual understanding.

We take this opportunity to thank the organisers for both the warm welcome and the hospitality extended to us, as well as, for the impressive arrangements made to conduct this ceremony. We wish this Forum every success in its endeavours.”