Article 26 The Secretary-General

The Secretary-General is the chief executive officer of BFA and head of the Secretariat. The Secretary-General shall serve a term of 5 years, which may be extended by the Board of Directors. The Secretary-General shall be responsible for the following:

1. Managing the day-to-day operation of BFA and representing BFA;

2. Presiding over all BFA meetings other than the GMM and meetings of the Board of Directors;

3. Implementing the rules and regulations approved by the Board of Directors;

4. Hiring, promoting and dismissing personnel of the Secretariat;

5. Submitting proposals to the Board of Directors on the restructuring of the functional departments of the Secretariat and BFA's representative offices;

6. The execution of any other activities that may be entrusted by the Board of Directors.

Article 27 Deputy Secretary-Generals

There shall be a number of Deputy Secretary-Generals as decided by the Board of Directors. The Deputies should be nominated by the Secretary-General and appointed or dismissed by the Board of Directors. If nominated by other members of the Board, confirmation from the Secretary General shall be obtained before it is submitted to the Board of Directors for approval. The Deputies shall serve a term of 5 years with the possibility of extension by the Board of Directors.

The responsibilities of the Deputy Secretary-Generals shall include:

1. Assisting the Secretary-General in managing the day-to-day operation;

2. Performing the responsibilities of the Secretary-General when the latter is unable to carry out his/her official duties;

3. Such other tasks as delegated by the Secretary-General.

Article 28 Termination of the Secretary-General and Deputy Secretary-Generals

The Secretary-General and Deputy Secretary-Generals shall cease to hold the position, upon:

1. Resignation, by sending a written notice of resignation three months in advance to the Chair of the Board of Directors;

2. Resolution approved by a two-thirds vote at the meeting of the Board of Directors. Under this circumstance, the Secretary-General and Deputy Secretary-Generals shall be entitled to apply for a hearing;

3. Inability to perform the duties of the office; or

4. Conviction by a competent court for a criminal offence.

Article 29 The Research and Training Institute

The Research and Training Institute is an important intellectual support of BFA. Its functions include the following:

1. To identify the theme and sub-topics for the annual conference;

2. To develop and provide economic forecasting on issues consistent with the goals and policies of BFA;

3. To provide intellectual resources for BFA conferences, seminars, and workshops;

4. To provide human resource development programs for members and other partners of BFA;

5. To establish a virtual network` and a clearinghouse for other research and training institutes in Asia and elsewhere.

The head of the RTI shall be nominated by the Secretary-General and shall be approved by the Board.

Article 30 The Council of Advisors

1. There shall be a Council of Advisors, consisting of 26 chief representatives from 26 BFA Initial Countries.

2. The Council of Advisors shall meet as the need arises to provide consultation and suggestions on significant issues and matters affecting BFA.

3. The Advisors shall not receive compensation except for their expenses incurred in relation to their duties towards BFA, as authorized by BFA.