Storyline: The Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) has provided a platform for fostering economic cooperation and regional development, said a senior Indian journalist. The BFA Annual Conference 2025 is set to start on Tuesday in Boao Town, Qionghai City, south China's Hainan Province, with nearly 2,000 representatives from over 60 countries and regions to attend the event. With the theme "Asia in the Changing World: Towards a Shared Future," this year's event will focus on four key topics: rebuilding trust to promote cooperation, the rebalance of globalization and inclusive development, sustainable development, and the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and innovation. Ahead of this year's event, China Global Television Network (CGTN) spoke with Mewati Sitaram, Editor-in-Chief of the Mumbai Messenger newspaper. He emphasized the significant roles China and India are expected to play at the upcoming forum. The BFA has consistently provided a platform for fostering economic cooperation and regional development. Given the current geopolitical landscape, there will likely be a strong emphasis on balancing economic growth with stability, Sitaram said. Seeing that the digital divide remains a significant barrier to balanced global development, Sitaram said the issue should be addressed through international collaboration and policy making. Shotlist: Boao Town, Qionghai City, Hainan Province, south China - March 24, 2025: 1. Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) venue facade, fountain, stone signboard of BFA; 2. Posters; 3. Entrance to venue for BFA Annual Conference 2025; Mumbai, India - March 23, 2025: 4. SOUNDBITE (English) Mewati Sitaram, Editor-in-Chief, Mumbai Messenger newspaper (partially overlaid with shot 5): "China and India, as two of the world's largest emerging economies, bring unique perspective. China can offer insight into advanced manufacturing, infrastructure, state investment and digital transformation, while India's experience in digital finance, start-up ecosystem and IT service can provide valuable model for inclusive growth. Both China and India have a shared interest in advocating for the Global South and ensuring that Asia's growth remain equitable and inclusive." [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] FILE: Beijing, China - Date Unknown: 5. Aerial shots of cityscape; [SHOT OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE FILE: China - Date Unknown: 6. Various of automated equipment in operation; 7. Various of equipment transporting cases; Mumbai, India - March 23, 2025: 8. SOUNDBITE (English) Mewati Sitaram, Editor-in-Chief, Mumbai Messenger newspaper (ending with shots 9-13): "The Global South must be an active participant in artificial intelligence development, not just a consumer of AI-driven product. To safeguard its interests, three key areas need focus. The first area is technology access. Open source, artificial intelligence models and public private partnership can ensure that developing countries have access to cutting-edge artificial intelligence tools. Collaborative research initiative similar to those between India and China in pharmaceutical can be extended to AI and machine learning. Number Two: talent development. Under talent development, AI education and skilling programs must be expanded in emerging economies." FILE: Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, east China - Date Unknown: 9. Various of humanoid robot from Unitree Robotics on display; FILE: China - Date Unknown: 10. Various of robot dancing; 11. Various of humanoid robot walking; 12. Various of robot organizing dishes, putting fruit into basket; 13. Various of robot carrying out power inspection; FILE: Hangzhou City, Zhejiang Province, east China - Date Unknown: 14. Various of cityscape; Mumbai, India - March 23, 2025: 15. SOUNDBITE (English) Mewati Sitaram, Editor-in-Chief, Mumbai Messenger newspaper (partially overlaid with shots 16-19): "Third, financial support: International financial institutions and regional development banks should create dedicated fund for AI infrastructure in Global South. China and India can jointly advocate for artificial financing initiative within forums like BRICS, G20 and the AI for good initiative under the United Nations. To bridge the digital divide, international cooperation is essential [for] policymakers to push for AI regulation and ensure use, while also fostering innovation. Infrastructure sharing agreements can help extend digital connectivity to remote areas, ensuring that AI benefits are widely distributed and both countries can have a upper hand in technologies and everything." [SHOTS OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] FILE: Soweto Township, Johannesburg, South Africa - Aug 15, 2023; 16. Sign of BRICS; FILE: Johannesburg, South Africa - Feb 21, 2025: 17. G20 sign, theme for South Africa's G20 Presidency "solidarity, equality and sustainability"; FILE: Beijing, China - Date Unknown: 18. Various of engineers working, screen showing robot design; FILE: Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, southwest China - Date Unknown: 19. Engineer testing mechanical hand; [SHOTS OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE] FILE: Boao Town, Qionghai City, Hainan Province, south China - March 28, 2024: 20. Various of BFA venue, sign, fountain. [Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland]