Growing China to contribute more to Asia development: Xi

China will unswervingly pursue the path of peaceful development, carry out the neighborhood diplomacy concept of closeness, sincerity, benefit and tolerance and pursue the open regionalism.

"The purpose of my proposal for building the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road is to deepen economic cooperation among Asian countries for common development, " the Chinese president said.

A growing China will definitely make bigger contribution to the Asian development, Xi said.

Xi hailed the BFA's unique and important role in helping Asian countries reach consensus, promoting Asian development and enhancing Asian influence, saying the Chinese government has placed great importance on the BFA and will continue to support its development.

The attendees included Yasuo Fukuda, chairman of the forum's board of directors and former Japanese Prime Minister, former French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin, former Australian Prime Minister Robert James Lee Hawke.

They lauded China as "the engine of the Asian development and stabilizer of the world peace," saying Xi's proposal of building the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road is significant for promoting countries' common development and China's development is an opportunity for Asia and the world.

Members said the BFA appreciates the generous support of the Chinese government and would like to offer suggestions for China's reform, opening up and Asian development. The BFA would like to play a bigger role in enhancing the mutual understanding between China and the world, including Asia.

Fukuda, on behalf of the BFA, invited Xi to attend the annual meeting next year. Xi accepted the invitation.

A non-governmental and non-profit international organization established in 2001, BFA is a forum for government, business and academic leaders in Asia and other continents to share opinions on pressing issues in the region and the world. It is committed to promoting regional economic integration and bringing Asian countries closer to their development goals.