High-ranking Chinese officials convened with leaders from global organizations and businesses on Monday as the China Development Forum (CDF) wrapped up in Beijing. The meetings reaffirmed China’s dedication to high-quality development and extensive opening-up to generate more opportunities globally.
With the CDF concluded, attention now shifts to the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA), slated to commence its annual conference in Boao, South China’s Hainan Province, on Tuesday. The forum aims to gather regional leaders, government officials, business figures, and scholars from Asia and beyond to foster unity and collaboration in addressing regional and global challenges.
Both the CDF and the upcoming BFA serve as pivotal platforms for nations and businesses across Asia and beyond to assess China’s economic trajectory, its opening-up initiatives, and its endeavors to foster peace and development in the region and worldwide. Experts observe that these consecutive forums underscore China’s commitment to expansive opening-up and its role in promoting peace and development, contrasting with perceived divisive actions from the United States.
During Monday’s sessions, Chinese Premier Li Qiang held separate discussions with Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank, and Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the IMF. Li assured Banga of China’s continuous efforts to cultivate a world-class business environment, emphasizing the sharing of development opportunities with all nations. In his meeting with Georgieva, Li expressed China’s confidence and capability in maintaining sustained and robust economic growth.
Additionally, Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang met with Masatsugu Asakawa, President of the Asian Development Bank. Meanwhile, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng held individual meetings with Darren Woods, Executive Chair and CEO of Exxon Mobil Corp, and Pascal Soriot, CEO of AstraZeneca.
The presence of heads from multinational lenders and executives from prominent companies at the CDF, which hosted over 100 foreign guests, highlights its significance. Following closely after the CDF, the BFA annual meeting anticipates participation from high-level officials and business leaders.
Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, will deliver a keynote speech at the BFA Annual Conference 2024. The event will also witness the attendance of leaders from Kazakhstan, Nauru, Sri Lanka, Dominica, and Cambodia, among others.
Opening its doors to journalists from around the globe on Monday, the BFA’s media center signals the final preparations for the annual conference. Often dubbed “China’s Davos,” Boao serves as the permanent venue for the BFA, evolving into a globally influential forum akin to the World Economic Forum in Davos.
This year’s BFA, themed “Asia and the World: Common Challenges, Shared Responsibility,” aims to strengthen unity and collaboration in addressing common challenges and fostering peace and development. Discussions will center on China’s economic outlook, regional development, global geopolitical and economic prospects, as well as emerging issues like artificial intelligence and climate change.
As Asia and the world confront significant risks and challenges, China’s cooperative approach garners support from leaders, executives, and scholars globally. The consecutive CDF and BFA meetings reaffirm China’s commitment to global cooperation and development, serving as vital platforms for dialogue and collaboration amidst evolving international dynamics.