Beijing – The 16th annual meeting of the new champion, widely known as the Summer Davos, is attracting global attention as it is taking place in Tianjin, North China.
Under the theme of “Entrepreneurship in a New Era,” the three-day event, which began Tuesday, attracted over 1,700 influential participants from over 90 countries and regions. The focus is on how entrepreneurship and emerging technologies can drive a more dynamic and resilient economy.
Speaking at the opening plenary on Wednesday, Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang highlighted China’s important role in the global economy.
“The Chinese economy continues to contribute to the world economy as it continues to develop further. For the past few years, the Chinese economy has remained an important engine of the world economy, contributing to about 30% of global growth. The reason is not only in China’s stability and high growth, but also in its combination with the world economy,” Premier Li said.
He highlighted China’s commitment to addressing global economic challenges.
“Chinese economy accepts global markets and integrates with the global economy. It also promotes global growth and global development. In addition, China is doing everything it can to overcome the difficulties and challenges faced by the global economy,” he added.
Li also extended its open invitation to global investment in China.
“As usual, the Chinese government will encourage and support entrepreneurs in their work and efforts, continuing to promote a market-oriented, world-class business environment dominated by a sound legal framework.
Emphasizing the country’s shift towards consumer-driven growth, Li said: “We are strengthening our efforts to implement strategies to increase domestic demand by launching special initiatives to promote consumption.
On the topic of multilateralism, the Prime Minister said: “More practical steps should be taken to protect free trade and multilateralism and ensure stable growth in the global economy.”
Tony Blair: I’m involved with the powerful and transformative China
Among the international voices at the forum was former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who advocated for continued involvement with China.
During a forum session on Tuesday, Blair described China as “probably the most surprising story of transformation” in recent decades. He emphasized the importance of looking at China from its own perspective, not through the western lens.
“People like us are deeply opposed to them. China has all the rights to be a major power given its civilization, population, economy and its technology,” Blair told critics of China’s rise.
During a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on Monday, Blair also argued that efforts to isolate China are bound by failing and that they must understand the world better.
In an interview with Xinhua, Borge Brende, president of the World Economic Forum, expressed optimism about China’s economic outlook.
“I am relatively optimistic in both the medium-term economy and the medium-term and long-term. Furthermore, China is already diversifying. Furthermore, China is from manufacturing goods to more services and digital trade. Also, many new technologies are being applied. China is doing very well with artificial intelligence (AI),” he said.
Tianjin in the Spotlight: A hub of diplomacy and sustainability
Tianjin is expected to remain in the global spotlight for the coming months as this year’s Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit will be held in the fall.
Known for its marine heritage and international outlook, Tianjin exemplifies the “shanghai spirit” of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diverse civilizations and pursuit of common development.
Tianjin’s zero carbon strategy further reflects these principles through its commitment to sustainable development.