China Development Forum 2025: A Commitment to Global Cooperation and Economic Growth
Leaders at the forum in Beijing emphasize innovation, trade, and collaboration as pathways to stability and growth.
The China Development Forum (CDF) 2025, held in Beijing from March 23 to 24, has reinforced China’s commitment to innovation-driven, high-quality development alongside a dedication to global cooperation.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang addressed the gathering, affirming a growth target of around 5 percent for 2025, emphasizing confidence in China’s economic future and governance capabilities.
During his keynote speech, Li highlighted the necessity of combining proactive macroeconomic policies with structural reforms.
He encouraged ongoing international business engagement with China, highlighting the country's openness to foreign enterprises.
Li assured attendees that China remains committed to safeguarding free trade and ensuring the smooth operation of global industrial and supply chains.
The theme of this year’s forum, "Unleashing Development Momentum for Stable Growth of Global Economy," attracted numerous Chinese policymakers, international business leaders, and scholars, all convening to discuss strategies to foster sustainable economic growth in an era marked by global uncertainties.
Comments from global executives reflected a collective optimism regarding China's economic trajectory.
Ola Kallenius, Chairman of the Board of Management at Mercedes-Benz Group AG, stated that "China is open for business and set for growth," reiterating the sentiment that ongoing collaboration is vital for mutual success.
In his insights on China's economic stability, Han Wenxiu, Executive Deputy Director of the Office of the Central Committee for Financial and Economic Affairs, stressed China's focus on its development amidst external instability.
He indicated that China aims to leverage high-quality growth to mitigate global uncertainties, positioning itself as a stabilizing force in the international economy.
Prominent economist Jeffrey Sachs remarked that China’s growth target is "perfectly achievable," highlighting robust performances in key sectors such as digital technology and artificial intelligence, which are expected to drive future economic expansion.
Standard Chartered’s CEO Bill Winters noted a shift in China's growth narrative towards a focus on transformation and the unlocking of new productive capabilities.
A report by PwC presented at the forum outlined China's commercial evolution over the past two years, showcasing a divergence from traditional industrial models towards new productivity paradigms marked by innovation and enhanced business frameworks.
The report underscored that such developments have created new opportunities for global investment in China.
Finance Minister Lan Fo'an presented specific fiscal measures designed to stimulate innovation and consumer engagement, including targeted financial support for tech initiatives and private enterprises.
He announced plans to advance the development of new productive forces, focusing on areas such as artificial intelligence.
China's innovation index improved to 11th globally in 2024, with significant year-on-year growth reported in several tech areas, including semiconductors and robotics.
Siemens AG President Roland Busch highlighted that China’s progress in high-tech manufacturing and AI signifies its pivotal role in future economic growth.
In a notable development, AstraZeneca revealed plans to invest $2.5 billion in Beijing over five years, establishing a global research and development center equipped with advanced technology to enhance early-stage drug research.
International business leaders expressed strong continued interest in China as an investment hub.
Reports indicated that a majority of members from the Japanese and American Chambers of Commerce planned to either maintain or expand their investments in China through 2025.
BMW AG's Chairman Oliver Zipse advocated for openness over protectionism, emphasizing that collaboration is essential for enhancing economic prosperity.
Lan reiterated that China's fiscal policy would support high-standard opening up and ensure equitable treatment for various business entities, aiming to cultivate a vibrant, innovative business landscape.
The CDF 2025 highlighted how China aims to position itself as a critical global innovation center and market for international collaboration, reflecting a growing acknowledgment of the need for shared efforts in navigating economic challenges while pursuing common prosperity.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang addressed the gathering, affirming a growth target of around 5 percent for 2025, emphasizing confidence in China’s economic future and governance capabilities.
During his keynote speech, Li highlighted the necessity of combining proactive macroeconomic policies with structural reforms.
He encouraged ongoing international business engagement with China, highlighting the country's openness to foreign enterprises.
Li assured attendees that China remains committed to safeguarding free trade and ensuring the smooth operation of global industrial and supply chains.
The theme of this year’s forum, "Unleashing Development Momentum for Stable Growth of Global Economy," attracted numerous Chinese policymakers, international business leaders, and scholars, all convening to discuss strategies to foster sustainable economic growth in an era marked by global uncertainties.
Comments from global executives reflected a collective optimism regarding China's economic trajectory.
Ola Kallenius, Chairman of the Board of Management at Mercedes-Benz Group AG, stated that "China is open for business and set for growth," reiterating the sentiment that ongoing collaboration is vital for mutual success.
In his insights on China's economic stability, Han Wenxiu, Executive Deputy Director of the Office of the Central Committee for Financial and Economic Affairs, stressed China's focus on its development amidst external instability.
He indicated that China aims to leverage high-quality growth to mitigate global uncertainties, positioning itself as a stabilizing force in the international economy.
Prominent economist Jeffrey Sachs remarked that China’s growth target is "perfectly achievable," highlighting robust performances in key sectors such as digital technology and artificial intelligence, which are expected to drive future economic expansion.
Standard Chartered’s CEO Bill Winters noted a shift in China's growth narrative towards a focus on transformation and the unlocking of new productive capabilities.
A report by PwC presented at the forum outlined China's commercial evolution over the past two years, showcasing a divergence from traditional industrial models towards new productivity paradigms marked by innovation and enhanced business frameworks.
The report underscored that such developments have created new opportunities for global investment in China.
Finance Minister Lan Fo'an presented specific fiscal measures designed to stimulate innovation and consumer engagement, including targeted financial support for tech initiatives and private enterprises.
He announced plans to advance the development of new productive forces, focusing on areas such as artificial intelligence.
China's innovation index improved to 11th globally in 2024, with significant year-on-year growth reported in several tech areas, including semiconductors and robotics.
Siemens AG President Roland Busch highlighted that China’s progress in high-tech manufacturing and AI signifies its pivotal role in future economic growth.
In a notable development, AstraZeneca revealed plans to invest $2.5 billion in Beijing over five years, establishing a global research and development center equipped with advanced technology to enhance early-stage drug research.
International business leaders expressed strong continued interest in China as an investment hub.
Reports indicated that a majority of members from the Japanese and American Chambers of Commerce planned to either maintain or expand their investments in China through 2025.
BMW AG's Chairman Oliver Zipse advocated for openness over protectionism, emphasizing that collaboration is essential for enhancing economic prosperity.
Lan reiterated that China's fiscal policy would support high-standard opening up and ensure equitable treatment for various business entities, aiming to cultivate a vibrant, innovative business landscape.
The CDF 2025 highlighted how China aims to position itself as a critical global innovation center and market for international collaboration, reflecting a growing acknowledgment of the need for shared efforts in navigating economic challenges while pursuing common prosperity.
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