The theme for the annual conference this year is New Century, New Challenge, New Asia - Asian Economic Co-operation and Development.

"After the Asia financial turmoil, such a platform is needed for Asian countries and regions to study regional economy and exchange their viewpoints," Zhang told a press conference yesterday in Beijing.

"All the preparatory work for the upcoming forum is well under way," he added.

Sources from the organizing committee said that more than 1,400 representatives from government sectors, business circles and academia from all over the world are to attend the event.

Notable figures on the list include Premier Zhu Rongji, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra of Thailand, Prime Minister Lee Han-dong of the Republic of Korea, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Manh Cam of Viet Nam, Hong Kong's Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa and Macao's Chief Executive Edmund Ho Hau-wah.

It also includes senior officials from international organizations such as special envoy to the United Nations Secretary-General Kim Sak-su, Deputy Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Miguel Rodriguez Mendoza, and President of the Asian Development Bank Tadao Chino.

Zhang said he had invited Vincent Siew of Taiwan to lead a delegation of Taiwan businessmen to attend this year's meeting and he is keeping close contact with him over the matter.

"BFA will focus on regional issues and put them in the context of the globalization of the world economy," Zhang emphasized. He said there will be two plenary sessions, seven panel discussions and six luncheons during the two-day event.

The main topics for the forum will comprise regional economic co-operation, financial restructuring, China's WTO entry, digital industries, and globalization and industrialization of the media.