This photo taken on March 20, 2025 shows posters of Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) in Boao, south China's Hainan Province. With the theme "Asia in the changing World: Towards a shared Future," the BFA Annual Conference 2025 is held from March 25 to 28 in Boao. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu)

German expert highlights innovation and regional collaboration as crucial for Asian countries to sustain development and navigate uncertainty as geopolitical tensions and economic challenges continue to reshape the world. 

Innovation and regional cooperation are key to addressing global challenges and fostering sustainable development, Frank-Juergen Richter, chairman of the international think tank Horasis and former director of the World Economic Forum (WEF), has said.

"Innovation goes beyond technology. It shapes new models of global economic cooperation and helps countries navigate uncertainty," said Richter.

This year's forum, under the theme of "Asia in the Changing World: Towards a Shared Future," highlights the importance of innovation, openness and collaboration in fostering economic growth in Asia and beyond, Richter told Xinhua in an interview ahead of the Boao Forum for Asia.

This photo taken on March 24, 2025 shows a view of the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) International Conference Center in Boao, south China's Hainan Province. With the theme "Asia in the changing World: Towards a shared Future," the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2025 is held from March 25 to 28 in Hainan. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun)

On the forum's growth, Richter recalled attending the inaugural Boao Forum for Asia in 2001, when it was a regional event. Over the past two decades, it has grown into a key global platform for high-level economic dialogue.

"Asian countries share a common vision to drive development through collaboration. This is particularly crucial as geopolitical tensions and economic challenges continue to reshape the world," he said.

Innovation fosters cross-border cooperation, Richter said, applauding China's role in global partnerships in light of its achievements in digital transformation, renewable energy and smart manufacturing.

This aerial photo taken on Oct. 5, 2023 shows China's Goldwind wind turbines in Chaiyaphum, Thailand. The Chaiyaphum wind farm hosts 32 of China's Goldwind wind turbines with a total capacity of 80 MW and is operated by EGCO, a major energy producer affiliated to the largest state utility Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand. (Xinhua/Wang Teng)

"From the Belt and Road Initiative to green technology, China has consistently expanded cooperation through innovation," he said.

"China is a leader in solar and wind energy, contributing not only to its own energy transition but also to global carbon reduction efforts," Richter said, adding that advances in artificial intelligence, automation and energy storage are reshaping industries worldwide.

Richter also highlighted China's progress in AI, notably the breakthroughs made by companies like DeepSeek. "China's AI sector is closing the gap with global leaders, and in some areas, it is already ahead."

AI-driven applications are accelerating advancements in research, manufacturing and business growth, benefiting both China and the global economy, he added.

A person uses DeepSeek app on a mobile phone on Feb. 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)

On China's development of new quality productive forces, which uses technology for industrial transformation and sustainable development, Richter said that it provides "valuable insights for other countries."

"Asia's rise has been built on resilience and cooperation," he said, urging stronger collaboration in technology and green industries.

2025 marks the 70th anniversary of the Bandung Conference and the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, a milestone that Richter sees as an opportunity to rethink global governance.

China's commitment to South-South cooperation through infrastructure financing, technology transfers and multilateral partnerships demonstrates its role in supporting fair global governance, Richter said.

With global shifts underway, Richter highlighted the growing importance of platforms like the Boao Forum for Asia in fostering openness, inclusiveness and long-term prosperity.

"Only by working together can countries achieve long-term prosperity," he added.