Asian economies are looking forward to promoting a more dynamic and sustainable course of globalization, President Xi Jinping said in a letter to the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) on Saturday.

President Xi said this year's conference, themed "Globalization & Free Trade: The Asian Perspectives," shows a collective focus on the issue.

Sixteen years since its founding, Xi applauded efforts made by the Boao forum in terms of building consensus, advancing cooperation and bolstering Asian influence.

Zeng Peiyan, vice-chairman of BFA, read the letter during the opening ceremony of the annual event on Saturday.

Yasuo Fukuda, chairman of BFA, said globalization is important to both developing countries and developed countries.

"We look forward to exchanging views among attendants of the forum," Fukuda said.

Boao, Hainan province, is the permanent location of the event. President Xi said China is pleased to see the forum's achievements as the host country.

The four-day conference kicked off on Thursday and is dedicated to championing a more inclusive globalization process through cooperation and dialogue.