China's Commerce Minister Wang Wentao has met with executives from US energy technology firm Baker Hughes. The meeting took place as global business leaders continue to deepen engagement with Beijing, despite geopolitical uncertainties. Chen Mengfei reports from Beijing.
CHEN MENGFEI Beijing "It's another busy March at China's Ministry of Commerce or MOFCOM, where global executives have been coming for high-level talks."
Today's guest? Baker Hughes – a leading U.S. energy technology firm with over 40 years in China, playing key roles in both gas infrastructure and the green transition. Commerce Minister Wang Wentao offered a warm welcome.
WANG WENTAO, Chinese Commerce Minister "Today is a great opportunity. I would like to engage in discussions with you regarding Baker Hughes' development in China, as well as China-U.S. economic and trade relations and the global energy development, including in the field of new energy."
This month alone, MOFCOM has hosted executives from 20 multinationals. Notably, most came from China's largest trading partner – the US. Apple's Tim Cook, Qualcomm, and Boeing executives all made appearances. The lineup also included European giants like BMW and Airbus. MOFCOM makes policies regarding crucial market access and regulatory decisions. These face-to-face meetings give companies vital opportunities to navigate China's business environment and voice their priorities.
LORENZO SIMONELLI, Chairman and CEO, Baker Hughes "We have multiple facilities and we have also been providing technology to many of the state owned enterprises. (We have also been involved in) the Belt and Road Initiative. As we continue to see China grow its presence internationally, (we hope to see) Baker Hughes to be able to participate in that growth."
From pharmaceuticals to telecoms, autos to energy – high-tech sectors dominate the visitor list. Despite geopolitical headwinds, one reality persists: China's market is simply too critical to ignore, and its doors remain open for business. Chen Mengfei, CGTN, Beijing.
