China-US Trade: Experts and entrepreneurs speak on China-US trade statement

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02:36

The joint statement on trade issued today by China and the United States came as experts and entrepreneurs were gathering in Beijing for a forum on China and globalization. CGTN was there to hear what they think about the outcome of these trade talks.

Hundreds of economists, entrepreneurs and investors were in Beijing on Sunday for the China and Globalization Forum. Naturally, discussions turned to the latest China-US joint statement on trade and public concern about the increase in China's imports of agricultural and energy products from the US.

Long Yongtu, Chairman of the Center for China and Globalization, said that China's increase in imports is not a concession to the US, but is due to Chinese people's growing needs and the result of mutual benefit.

LONG YONGTU, CHAIRMAN CENTER FOR CHINA & GLOBALIZATION "Public opinion needs to be shifted. We should not equate imports with concessions. Nor should we equate exports with advantages. It's not that simple."

Wang Huiyao, president of the Center for China & Globalization, said both countries are taking what they want from each other. He agrees it a good idea for China to import agriculture products from the US.

Chinese entrepreneurs say they are confident about the future of China-US trade. Qian Jiannong, Fosun Global partner, is one those with positive attitude.

QIAN JIANNONG, CHAIRMAN & PRESIDENT FOSUN TRAVEL CULTURE GROUP "The cooperation and opening up of the world's two major economies must be the future trend. In the long run, trade frictions will surely be resolved."

Chinese entrepreneurs are also thinking about the next step for China's economy. Wang Shi, the founder of Vanke Group is cautiously optimistic.

WANG SHI, FOUNDER VANKE GROUP "We are proud of what we achieved in the past. But we should be cautiously optimistic towards the future. Being cautious is to be careful about likely problems and challenges ahead of us. But there's no reason not to be optimistic about the coming decades."

As China continues to open up, experts suggest enterprises keep striving for excellence and innovation, because it is the best way to overcome unforseen challenges.