March 29, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena delivered a stirring address at the BOAO Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2024 in Hainan, China, urging Asian nations to unite in their efforts to eradicate poverty and ensure equitable prosperity.
Commending China’s remarkable achievements in lifting millions out of poverty under President Xi Jinping’s leadership, Gunawardena emphasized the importance of this success story as a guiding path for other nations grappling with similar challenges.
The Prime Minister called for fresh initiatives to bolster agricultural growth and food security, stressing their vital role in fostering social harmony and peace. He underscored the urgent need to harness renewable energy resources to address the pressing issues of climate change.
Highlighting Sri Lanka’s ambitious port development projects, including the expansion of Colombo Port, Hambantota Port, and the establishment of Colombo Port City and Colombo Financial Centre, Gunawardena envisioned these endeavors transforming Sri Lanka into a pivotal financial hub, not only for the nation but for the entire region.
In his address, Gunawardena expressed gratitude to President Xi Jinping for his leadership in driving China’s economic growth, emphasizing the interconnectedness of global economic prosperity. He reiterated the importance of collaborative efforts among Asian countries to tackle shared challenges, particularly in renewable energy and environmental conservation.
Acknowledging the significant role of the BOAO conference in driving investment in renewable energy, Gunawardena emphasized the need for collective commitment to shared goals and targets. He pledged Sri Lanka’s continued support for cooperation in maritime trade and underscored the importance of open trade policies and sustainable development initiatives.
The conference, inaugurated by Zhao Leiji, President of the National People’s Congress of the Chinese Communist Party, witnessed the participation of several world leaders, including Presidents of Kazakhstan and Nauru, along with esteemed figures like former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon, currently serving as President of the Global Green Growth Institute.
