The 2007 Shanghai Forum closed Sunday with an agreement Asia must work together to solve its energy obstacles.

"Economic globalization has turned many Asian countries into the world's manufacturers, which has led to over consumption of energy and environmental pollution," said the consensus, which was jointly issued by the more than 300 academics, government officials and business representatives attending the three-day forum.

"Since energy problems concern every country's economic security and sustainable development, cooperation in the energy sector should be a key part in Asian countries' regional cooperation."

Forum participants also agreed China's exchange rate and monetary policies would deeply impact neighboring countries.

Countries across Asia should further boost their economic partnerships to contribute to development of the whole world,'' the consensus said.

This year's Shanghai Forum, which was held by Fudan University, received 151 theses from all over the world. Speakers included the 2001 Nobel Laureate in economics Michael Spence; New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs Winston Peters; and Hans van Ginkel, rector of the United Nations University.

Officials announced that the 2008 Shanghai Forum will also be held at Fudan University next May.

The forum will focus on social problems including Asia's economic transformation and the 2010 World Expo.

(Shanghai Daily May 29, 2007)