Boao Forum Releases Report: Asia to Remain Major Global Economic Growth Engine in 2026
The Boao Forum for Asia kicked off its 2026 Annual Conference in Boao, Hainan on March 24, with the simultaneous release of two flagship reports, including the Asian Economic Outlook and Integration Process 2026 Annual Report. The report projects that Asia’s economic growth rate will reach 4.5% in 2026, maintaining its status as the primary growth engine of the global economy.
According to the report, the proportion of Asian economies’ GDP in the world economy will continue to climb. Calculated by purchasing power parity, it is expected to rise from 49.2% in 2025 to 49.7% in 2026, reflecting Asia’s growing influence in the global economic landscape.
Asia remains the most favored region for global direct investment, boasting strong development potential and resilience. China and ASEAN stand out as the most attractive economies for foreign investment in Asia. Meanwhile, Asian economies are gradually shifting their role from capital recipients to outward investors, with vibrant overseas investment activities.
In terms of employment, the report indicates that the unemployment rate in Asia is expected to remain generally stable in 2026, though some regions will face significant unemployment pressure. Rising uncertainties in trade rules and supply chain bottlenecks pose considerable uncertainties to Asia’s economic prospects and are eroding workers’ incomes, with Southeast and South Asia likely to be hit particularly hard.
Despite numerous challenges, Asia’s economy has demonstrated strong resilience and maintained a positive trend, making important contributions to the global economy, international trade and sustainable development. The process of Asian economic integration and sustainable development is inevitably accompanied by difficulties and challenges, but concerted efforts, solidarity and cooperation among all parties will further drive Asia’s economy toward high-quality development and build a new development pattern supporting the "Asian Century".
