Microsoft founder Bill Gates has accepted an invitation to attend the 2007 annual meeting of Boao Forum for Asia (BFA), the BFA Secretary-General Long Yongtu said in Beijing Monday.

"We hope he will speak on how to make innovation in science and technology, but his topic is still under discussion," Long said.

The 2007 forum will be held on the third weekend of April and although the theme has not yet been decided it will focus on Asia's development, Long said.

Established in 2001, the Boao Forum for Asia convenes annually in Boao in China's southern-most island province of Hainan and provides a platform for dialogue between government officials, entrepreneurs and experts.

Editor: Yan