This year's Boao Forum for Asia, the eighth of its kind, has begun in south China's Hainan Province. Premier Wen Jiabao will deliver a keynote speech on Saturday. This year's theme is "Asia: Managing beyond crisis".

A stellar line-up of speakers and delegates from the business world has been confirmed for the forum. This year's Boao meeting has seen an unexpected level of interest.

A record number of more than six hundred journalists have registered to cover the Forum this year. Over 30 of the World's Top 500 companies have sent representatives, and over 800 entrepreneurs from around the globe are attending. The three-day conference is expected to attract 27-hundred participants.

Group discussions will form a key part of the Forum. Delegates are expected to discuss the impact of the crisis on Asia, and try to agree on how the region can best weather the challenges it faces.

The event also places a great deal of importance on the increasing role that emerging economies play in the global financial arena.

The Boao Forum for Asia held its first annual conference in April 2001. It's since developed into one of the most important forums, especially in Asia.

(CCTV April 17, 2009)