China reiterates opening-up commitment at the 2025 China Development Forum

By Petra Williams

Chinese government officials reiterated the country’s commitment to high-level opening-up and global collaboration at the 2025 China Development Forum (CDF), which kicked off in Beijing on Sunday. 

Themed “Unleashing Development Momentum for Stable Growth of Global Economy”, the forum has attracted over 100 foreign representatives of multinational companies from twenty-one countries and features 12 symposiums and several closed-door sessions.

In his opening keynote speech, Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized that foreign-funded enterprises are indispensable participants and contributors to China’s development. He pledged to roll out more measures to help foreign-funded enterprises integrate into the Chinese market.

Han Wenxiu, executive deputy director of the Office of the Central Commission for Financial and Economic Affairs, echoed Li’s remarks. He indicated that China welcomes foreign investors to share the dividends of the country’s development. “In recent years, we have turned pressure into motivation, achieving positive progress in promoting technological self-reliance and advancement. We will continue to focus on technology-driven and innovation-driven development and take measures tailored to local conditions to develop new quality productive forces. Recently, many international investors have confidence in China’s economy and assets. We sincerely welcome international capital to return to China, boost investments, and share the dividends of China’s development“.

Meanwhile, foreign CEOs also expressed their confidence and determination to expand investment in

China. Roland Busch, president and CEO of Siemens AG and co-chair of the CDF 2025, hailed China’s commitment to promoting a high-level opening and cultivating a fair, competitive market environment. He emphasized that China has found the answer to global growth issues by focusing on high-tech, higher efficiency, high-quality growth at a time when the world’s economy is undergoing a massive transformation driven by many aspects.  He stated, “The government of China is taking action. China is even going one step further, changing the operating system of its economy to unleash new quality productive forces“. 

He added that the government of China is continuously working on creating a level playing field and a fairer business environment. He remarked that his company would continue to support China’s development through ongoing investment and expressed confidence that multinationals globally share this perspective. 

Also adding a complementary voice was Lu Haiqing, global vice president of IHG Hotels & Resorts. He emphasized that investing in China is not a choice but a necessity. He stated, “If you want to succeed, you must establish a presence in China,”

Over two days, participants will explore key issues, including the development of new quality productive forces, AI innovations, green development, and emerging trends in economic globalization. Additionally, China’s macroeconomic policy reforms and strategies to boost domestic consumption will play a significant role.

Since its inception in 2000, the China Development Forum, sponsored by the Development Research Centre of the State Council and organized by the China Development Research Foundation, has become a key platform for dialog and cooperation between China and the rest of the world.