Global business leaders convene for CDF 2025 as China reiterates commitment to opening-up

The China Development Forum (CDF) 2025 commenced on Sunday in Beijing. The two-day event has brought together more than 80 senior executives and business leaders from leading multinational corporations to engage in discussions on key growth issues.

Big global names like Apple, Siemens, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are attending, with US companies making up the largest group—numbering 27 in total. The participating multinationals span a wide range of industries, with finance, insurance, healthcare, and energy standing out as key sectors. This year also marks a new record for the number of multinationals debuting at the forum, with 17 companies sending representatives for the first time.

At the CDF, Chinese government officials reiterated the country's commitment to high-level opening-up and global collaboration.

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.

Li's remarks was echoed by Han Wenxiu, deputy director of the Office of the Central Commission for Financial and Economic Affairs.

Noting the recent upbeat sentiment on Chinese economy and assets, Han welcomed international investors to deepen investment in the Chinese market and share the dividends of the country'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, highlighted China's dedication to promoting high-level opening up and fostering a fair competitive market environment. He added that Siemens will continue to support China's development through sustained investment, expressing confidence that this sentiment is shared by multinationals worldwide.

Lu Haiqing, global vice president of IHG Hotels & Resorts, believes that investing in China is not a choice but a necessity. "If you want to succeed, you must establish a presence in China," said Lu in an interview with CGTN.

Martin Sorrell, executive chairman of S4Capital, said the most important aspect of establishing a presence in China is investment, while emphasizing the need for furthering its expansion. 

With the theme "Unleashing Development Momentum for Stable Growth of Global Economy," the forum features 12 symposiums and several closed-door sessions, covering topics such as boosting consumption, developing new quality productive forces, and the inclusive development of AI.

As a key international economic forum, the China Development Forum has continued to serve as a vital platform for dialogue between policymakers, business leaders, and academics, fostering collaboration to drive global economic growth.