Hundreds of scientists and academics from China and around the world have gathered in Beijing to review China's development and the opportunities it can offer to other nations. 

At the annual conference of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences Forum, experts say over the past few decades, China has transformed itself from an underdeveloped nation into one of the strongest countries in the world. 

"China's achievements in multiple fields – economic growth, poverty alleviation, raising the standards of living of over a billion people, self-reliant advancement in science and technology and eye-catching progress in culture, arts and sports – are unrivaled by any other country in a comparable time frame," says Sudheendra Kulkarni, former chairman of Observer Research Foundation Mumbai. 

Experts also say that China's development can also contribute to the economies of neighboring regions. 

"China realized the importance of infrastructure and connectivity for the whole world to successfully participate in the still ongoing globalization process, which has benefited so much of China, as well as the tiny country of Costa Rica," added Patricia Rodriguez Holkemeyer, ambassador of Costa Rica to China. 

The forum will last for two days and will highlight issues such as China's urbanization progress and opportunities for the BRI countries.