Nigeria Times

By Lyu Xiaoxun, People’s Daily

“Chinese manufacturerscan barely keep up with theflood of orders from African buyers,”remarked an executive from a high-tech agricultural machinerycompanyduring the recent”Zhejiang Agricultural Machinery Going to Africa”virtual expo.

The executive emphasized that establishing additional overseas warehouses in Africa is now the top priority for Chinese agricultural equipment producers, as they grapple with skyrocketing global demand.

The appeal of Chinese agricultural machinery in Africa markets stems from its tailored  adaptability. African farmers prioritize equipment that is user-friendly, multifunctional, and highly adaptable to local conditions. Take China’s walk-behind tractors as an example: By simply switching attachments, these machines can perform tasks ranging from rotary tillage, trenching, and sowing to serving as power sources for water pumping, irrigation, and processing grains or animal feed. Such multi-functionality reduces costs and streamlines operations, naturally winning market preference.

Statistics show that from 2018 to 2023, agricultural machinery exports from Zhejiang province in east China to Africa grew at an average annual rate of 20 percent.

Beyond agricultural machinery, a diverse array of Chinese products – from electric blankets, heaters, and smartphones to UV-resistant fabrics and e-bikes – have gained immense traction in global markets in recent years. This phenomenon is driven not only by product reliability but also by manufacturers’ deliberate efforts to align with localized consumer preferences.

For example, in equatorial regions with intense sunlight, Chinese smart phone manufacturer OPPO optimized its LCD screens for high-brightness outdoor visibility, addressing a key pain point for users struggling to view their phones under direct sunlight.

For Thai households using mixed flooring materials in apartments, Chinese intelligent home appliance manufacturer Dreame Technologydesigned four specialized vacuum cleaner attachments – including a soft roller brush with LED lighting and a dual-purpose bristle brush – to enhance cleaning efficiency.

The shift from “selling what we produce” to “producing what you need” has made Chinese products more scenario-specific and appealing to international buyers.

Satisfying global market requirements demands continuous technological breakthroughs. When an Irish construction firm sought two heavy-duty automated guided vehicles (AGVs) in 2023 requiring synchronized lifting to 3 meters – a request declined by European manufacturers – Tianjin Lonyu Robot Co., Ltd. delivered a functional prototype promptly. The product’s performance later secured repeat orders.

Similarly, Chinese consumer electronic company Anker Innovations captured Middle Eastern markets by introducing smartphone cables boasting 30-fold durability enhancements over conventional models, tailored to withstand extreme regional environmental conditions..

In global competition, Chinese brands are forging distinctive advantages through independent R&D to strengthen their international presence.

The phenomenon of “production struggling to match order volumes”reflects both manufacturing vitality and saleseffectiveness.

A female entrepreneur in Yiwu, east China’s Zhejiang province, recently leveraged DeepSeek to create multilingual promotional videos for socks, effortlessly expanding her cross-border business.

At the “Zhejiang Agricultural Machinery Going to Africa” expo, an Egyptian fruit grower was impressed by an automated fruit sorter produced by Zhejiang-based DekfellerIntelligent Machinery Manufacturing Co., Ltd.: “It’s like apples riding a mini train through CT scanning – I can’t wait to see this product in Egyptian market.”

Platforms like the China International Fair for Trade in Services and the China Import and Export Fair facilitate transactions, while cross-border e-commerce erases geographical barriers. Emerging digital tools continuously boost the global visibility of Chinese products.

Today’s global competition revolves around entire supply chains rather than standalone products. True globalization means integrating with local industries and communities.

For instance, Chinese home appliance manufacturer Hisense’s industrial park in South Africa, established 12 years ago, has created over 6,000 local jobs and incorporated more than 10 local suppliers into its industrial chain.

Chinese renewable energy company Universal Energy has built renewable power plants in Kazakhstan, reducing electricity costs and cutting carbon dioxide emissions while meeting local power demand.

From trade to investment, manufacturing to lifestyle services, Chinese brands are co-developing sustainable growth paths worldwide, seizing opportunities through mutual prosperity.

By He Yin, People’s Daily

In a striking display of technological prowess, the 2025 Zhongguancun(ZGC) Forum Annual Conference recently concluded in Beijing with a range of innovations, offering a glimpse into a future where innovation is not just anticipated, but realized.

The event, highlighted by an AI agent,an entirely seamless experience, and over 100 intelligent robotic “volunteers,”became a vivid showcase of China’scutting-edge innovations, capturing the essence of “the future is now.”

The steadily growing technological sophistication of the conferencereflects China’s ongoing breakthroughs in scientific and technological innovation. Since its inception in 2007, the ZGC forum has grown into a pivotal platform for global technological exchanges and cooperation. This year’s theme, “New Quality Productive Forces and Global Technology Cooperation,”centered on discussions of emerging technologies such as AI large models, embodied intelligence, quantum technology, biomedicine, 6G, and brain-computer interfaces.

Among the conference’s key takeaways were the unveiling of China’s National Innovation Index Report 2024 and its top 10 scientific advances of 2024. These reports not only affirmed the country’s rapid technological evolution but also reinforced the forum’s status as a key bellwether for frontier technologies and future industries – underscoring its crucial role in bridging innovation with industrial ecosystems.

Technological innovation stands as a central pillar of developing new quality productive forces, spurring the growth of new industries, business models, and economic momentum. As this year’s conference illustrated, China’s ongoing innovation boom is cultivating a new wave of productive forces.

Among the highlights were the introduction of 100 new technologies and products, 100 international tech trade innovation projects, the launch of a smart service platform for tech commercialization, and the signing of 11 major cooperation agreements. These developments reflect China’s robust culture of innovation and its immense potential todrive the development of new quality productive forces.

China has been rapidly advancing its innovation-driven development strategy, with technological progress now contributing over 60 percent to its economic growth. Over the past decade, the country has emerged as one of the world’sfastest-growinginnovativeeconomies, becoming the first to secure 4 million valid invention patents.

It also leads the world with 26 science and technology clusters in the top 100, holding the top global ranking for two consecutive years. Furthermore, China remains the world’s largest patent filer, with international applications under the Patent Cooperation Treaty growing 0.9 percent year on year.

As foreign media have noted, a thriving ecosystem nurtures towering achievements, and China has long been nurturing such an environment. By linking technological breakthroughs with industrial application, China is driving new industrialization and sustaining the momentum of new quality productive forces, which in turn serves as a key engine for high-quality economic growth.

Amid a new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation, China is exploring models of win-win cooperation that encourage global technology sharing and universally beneficial progress. Notable examples include the open-source approach taken by Chinese AI pioneer DeepSeek and the commitment by Chinese new energy vehicle giant BYD to make its core technologies available to the entire industry. Such cases reflect China’s dedication to promoting both technological advancements and collaborative innovation on a global scale.

Beyond its borders, China is building a network of international partnerships. The country is developing the China-Japan-ROKInnovation Cooperation Center, workingwith Laos to jointly establish the China-Laos Artificial Intelligence Innovation Cooperation Center, and has signed a cooperation agreement on spaceflight of a Pakistani astronaut on Chinese space station. These efforts underscore China’s commitment to fostering shared technological progress that benefits the world at large.

At the 2025 ZGCForum Annual Conference, open-source projects like the “Chang’an Chain” blockchain platform and Li Auto’s open-sourced Halo OS garnered global attention, reinforcing China’s role in cultivating an open, innovative ecosystem.

Daren Tang, director general of the World Intellectual Property Organization, expressed hope for closer and stronger collaboration with Zhongguancun, a major technology hub in China, emphasizing the need to inject continuous momentum into global development and prosperity.

The world can only unlock broader opportunities through openness and cooperation. As China accelerates its pursuit of greater technological self-reliance and strength, it remains committed to working alongside other nations to advance new quality productive forces, tackle global challenges, and promote mutually beneficial progress. By emphasizing openness and collaboration, China aims to ensure that the benefits of technological innovation reach all corners of the globe.

By He Yin, People’s Daily

On March 28, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with representatives of the international business community at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. More than 40 global chairmen and chief executive officers of foreign businesses as well as representatives of business councils attended the meeting.

Xi said that foreign businesses are important participants in the Chinese modernization drive, in the country’s reform and opening up and innovation, and in its interconnectivity with the world and integration into economic globalization.

He stressed that China has been and will remain an ideal, secure, and promising destination for foreign investors. Embracing China is embracing opportunities, believing in China is believing in a better tomorrow, and investing in China is investing in the future.

In a signal of China’senduring role in the global economy, top executives from multinational corporations (MNCs) recently convened in the country for a series of high-profile international conferences, including the China Development Forum 2025, the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference2025, and the 2025 Zhongguancun (ZGC)Forum Annual Conference. Their presence underscores China’s continued appeal as a hub for innovation and economic engagement.

As a major contributor to global economic growth, China is bringing much-needed stability to the world as it advances its modernization drive. In the first two months of this year, China’s economic recovery gained momentum, marked by rising potential in its vast consumer market, steady progress in institutional opening up, and rapid development of new quality productive forces – drawing a continuous influx of international capital.

Amid rising geopolitical tensions, protectionism, and mounting global economic uncertainties, China’s commitment to high-quality economic growth has provided a rare sense of warmth and confidence for global businesses.

With its huge market, clear policy direction, and well-developed business environment, China remains a critical destination for foreign investment. Since the beginning of this year, China has rolled out a range of measures, including an action plan to stabilize foreign investment and policies outlined in the government work report to stabilize foreign trade. These measures seek to further ease market access, align with high-levelglobal standards, facilitate investment, and create a more favorable business environment – underscoring China’scommitment to sharing growth opportunities with the rest of the world.

MNC executives have expressed their optimism, describing China’s market as both dynamic and indispensable. “The opportunities and growth potential in China are truly exciting,”one executive noted, while another affirmed, “China is not just an option but a must.” This shared confidence is steadily translating into concrete investment commitments, reflecting sustained interest in the country’s economic trajectory.

ForMNCs, China has evolved beyond a manufacturing hub into a critical center for research and development. Its dynamic innovation ecosystem provides a crucial platform for global companies seeking to enhance their competitiveness.

Germany’s leading luxury automaker Mercedes-Benz, for instance, will invest an additional 14 billion yuan ($1.92 billion) into the Chinese market, increasing its product portfolio in the country. American medicine giant Eli Lilly and Company has opened its innovation accelerator Lilly Gateway Laboratory in Beijing, the company’s fourth facility of its kind and the first to open outside the U.S. – drawn by the vast opportunities brought about by China’s technological advancements.

A recent PwC survey of over 100 executives from MNCs found that50 percent of surveyed MNCs believe the importance of China’s innovation ecosystem to their global strategies will continue to grow.

Antoine de Saint-Affrique, CEO of French food group Danone, views China as not just a crucial market but also as one of the world’s most advanced innovation ecosystems.

Multilateralism is the only choicefor addressing global challenges. Foreign businesses, especially MNCs, play an important role and bear significant responsibility for maintaining the global economic order. Amid growing calls for “decoupling” and “severing supply chains,”China has reaffirmed its commitment to upholding true multilateralism, promoting universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, actively participating in global economic governance, and building an open world economy.

ForMNC executives, amid growing protectionism, China has continuously expanded opening up, injecting stability into the global economy, and has become an oasis of certainty and a hot spot for investment and entrepreneurship.

China firmly safeguards the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core, proactively aligns with high-standard international economic and trade rules, and maximizesRCEP’s benefits, with trade partnerships covering more than 230 countries and regions.

The country is ready to work with the global business community to safeguard the multilateral trading system, maintain the stability of global industrial and supply chains, protect the international environment for openness and cooperation, and advance economic globalization in the right direction.

By Kong Dechen

Yiwu International Trade Market – the globe’s premier hub for small commodities trade in east China’s Zhejiang province – hummed with energy as buyers and sellers converged.

Zhang Shidan, founder of Yiwu Jinshang Daily Commodities Trading Company, was processing ascaled-uporder for children’s straw cups from her Middle Eastern client—a follow-up order triggered by the client’s exceptional sell-through rates in their regional markets.

“To maintain our edge in this fast-paced industry, we roll out 1-2 proprietary designs monthly and release 1,000+ new SKUs annually,” Zhang emphasized.”We also prioritize hyper-localized customization to align with distinct regional preferences.”

Chris, a London-based procurement specialist with a decade of sourcing expertise in Yiwu,expressed enthusiasm for the city’s ever-evolving product landscape.”I purchase over 100 shippingcontainers annually – spanningjewelry, tools, and beyond,” he noted. “Each visit unveils fresh innovations. This time, I’m gearing up for a substantial procurement campaign.”

Dubbed the “world’s supermarket,” Yiwu boasts 2.1 million product categoriesthat sustain the operations of 2.1+ million SMEs and micro-enterprises,.while maintaining trade partnerships across 230+ countries and regions.

Annually,600,000+ global buyers flock to Yiwu, supported by 28,000 permanently stationed international traders.The city’s 650,000+ digital-first e-commerce enterprises amplify its cross-border influence through online channels.

In late 2024, China’s State Council greenlit a comprehensive reform blueprint to propel Yiwu’s international trade modernization. The plan outlines 97 targeted initiatives across five pillars: streamlined procurement frameworks for agile cross-border trade; deeper integration of domestic and global supply chains; next-generation logistics infrastructure; enhanced regulatory ecosystems; a world-class business climate.

To advance innovative importdevelopment, the plan proposed a positive-list management mechanism for select imported consumer goods, simplifying customs procedures while maintaining security protocols.

“Yiwu holds inherent advantage in broadening import channelsby capitalizing on its robust logistics and digital infrastructure cultivated through decades of export expertise,”remarked Zhang Yongjun, secretary-general and researcher at the China Center for International Economic Exchanges.

“With tens of thousands of global buyers visiting annually,these professionals can act as bridges to introduce premium and niche products from their home markets into China,” Zhang added.

To enhance market procurement mechanisms, the plan established a trade consolidator system, integrated into formal trade frameworks. It strengthened real-time market oversight, cargo consolidation protocols, and streamlined customs documentation.

Leveraging Yiwu’s digital trade service platform, the entire supply chain – covering transactions, logistics, payments, and financing—has undergone end-to-end digitalization.

For secure global service networks, the initiative incentivizes businesses to develop proprietary international digital platforms incorporating functions likecross-border marketing,last-mile delivery, and post-sales services.

For secure global service networks, the initiative incentivizes businesses to develop proprietary international digital platforms incorporating functions like cross-border marketing, last-mile delivery, and post-sale services. Concurrently, it prioritizes optimizing logistics through expanded direct shipping routes, centralized cargo resources, and upgraded”door-to-door” and “warehouse-to-warehouse” freight solutions.

In today’s global economy, supply chain security and stability have emerged as pivotal challenges. Lu Jing, head of the Department of International Trade and Economics at Zhejiang University’s School of Economics, highlights that Yiwu’s reforms present innovative strategies for optimizing global supply chain.

Lu emphasized that China is advancing a more efficient logistics network for small commodities, utilizingChina-Europe freight trains and multimodal transport solutions integrating air, sea, and rail to lower trade costs and bolster the supply chainresilience.

Since the approval of its comprehensive reform plan, Yiwu has pioneered transformative initiatives with measurable outcomes.Toy import certification now requires only five days, down from twenty, while the inaugural “Yiwu Selection” store – a platform for Chinese brands to enter global markets – generating 120 million yuan ($16.56 million) in orders within five hours of opening. Additionally, Yiwu launched an e-commerce industrial park processing over 10 million parcels daily, and its airport was upgraded to a visa-free transit hub.

Zhang Jianping, deputy director of the academic committee of the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, described Yiwu as a microcosm of China’s international trade, reflecting both the prowess of its manufacturing sector and the dynamism of its domestic market.

From Yiwu, countless small commoditiesreach global markets, while high-quality international goods enter China and circulate nationwide,”Zhang noted.He added that the city’s innovative trade model not only fuels local economic growth but also provides a blueprint for trade development across China.

Zhou Shanshan, People’s Daily

Arecent viral video of a foreign vlogger extolling the beauty of Chinese bridges has sparked widespread intrigue. “Bridges in China are like this,”sheobserved, awed by the grandeur, exquisite craftsmanship, and refined elegance of these structures – a visual testament to the nation’s modern development.

Today, China boasts over one million bridges- spanning rivers, crossing lakes and seas, stretching over deepvalleys, and linking rugged mountains. From centuries-old masterpieces to cutting-edge engineering feats, theyoffer an unparalleled window into a civilization that blends reverence for its past with an unyielding drive for modernization.

Take, for example, the Luoyang Bridge in Quanzhou, southeast China’s Fujian province. Built in the Song Dynasty (960-1279), this ancient cross-sea bridge exemplifies the ingenuity of ancient Chinese engineers. It was one of the earliest Chinese bridges to utilize floating construction techniques, easingthe burden of manual labor. Its oyster-based foundation was designed to withstand crashing waves – a critical innovation that helped connect Chinese inland regions with bustling maritime trade and transform regional commerce.

Contrast this with the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in southwest China’s Guizhou province. Once completed, it is set to become the world’stallest and longest-span bridgein a mountainous region, constructed with high-strength steel cables that couldencircle the equator twice. With theBeiDou Navigation Satellite System guiding its construction, this engineering marvel will cut travel time across the canyon from two hours to just two minutes,promising a transformative impact on regional connectivity and industrial vitalization.

China’s bridges tell the story of relentless innovation and resolve, as generations of engineers have surmounted challenges to carve roads through mountains and build bridges over water.

The intricately carved stone lions on Beijing’s Lugou Bridge, once hailed by Italian traveler Marco Polo in the 13th century as “one of a kind in the world,”speak to the legacy of time-honored craftsmanship. Likewise, the ancient Zhaozhou Bridge in Shijiazhuang, north China’s Hebei province, with its graceful open-spandrel arch, remains a masterclass in balancing form and function.

These bridges are more than feats of engineering; they are cultural artifacts – poetic bridges of the past and striking modern masterpieces that capture the human spirit. Bridge engineering in China combines mechanics with aesthetics, creating enduring structures that reflect the country’scultural values and artistic sensibilities.

Moreover, China’s bridges extend far beyond its borders. The China-Maldives Friendship Bridge, for instance, has ended the Maldives’ history without bridges, while the Chinese-built Peljesac Bridge in Croatia and the Maputo Bay Bridge in Mozambique have enhanced connectivity and driven economic growth. These projects underscore China’s role in global infrastructure, where bridges serve not just as engineering triumphs, but as enduring symbols of connection, cooperation, and cultural exchanges.

Beyond their structural role, bridges in China have taken on a deeper cultural significance. Whether it is through the mythic narratives of animated films like”NeZha 2″ and immersive experiences in video games such as “Black Myth: Wukong,” or in the steady hum of innovation in new energy vehicles and home appliances, these modern “bridges” offer global audiences a glimpse into China’s creative and technological vitality.

From ancient stone bridges arching over quiet streams to modern steel spans that pierce the sky, from tangible roadways connectingcities to cultural bridges fosteringdeeper human connections,China’s bridges are more than architectural marvels – they are expressions of a civilization in motion. Rooted in history yet reaching toward the future, they stand as invitations for the world to cross, to connect, and to journey forward together.

By Ji Juesu, People’s Daily

“Welcome to my world—a sensory journey into darkness. I’m Taozi, your guide for this unique experience.”

On the second floor of Shanghai’sHKRI Taikoo Hui, guests stored their belongings, took up a white cane, and followed visually impaired barista Taozi, whose real name is Zhang Zhiwen, into an immersive café where all light is intentionally obscured.

Six visually impaired professionals oversee operation of the café, from conceptual designand guest guidance to coffee preparation. What makes it unique is its mission to give sighted customers a new way to experience the world—through its theme “Enjoy a Cup of Coffee in Complete Darkness.”

“Follow my voice and move at your own pace,” Taozi instructed the group of four visitors, her tone both reassuring and deliberate.

Though engulfed in total darkness, the space features a meticulously crafted auditory environment—wind rustling through leaves, waves colliding with rocks, and distant thunderclaps. Patrons are transported instantaneously from a tropical rainforest to a stormy seaside, all within the span of a single sensory journey.

“You seat is here.”

Guided byTaozi’s verbal cuesand tactile feedback from their white canes, the guests carefully positioned themselves. Within minutes, visually impaired barista Yin Tianbao delivered their orderswith the rich aroma of coffee and pastries filling the air.

Patrons navigated their cups by touch, cautiously opening the sip lids—a routine action now demanding heightened attention.

“For the first time, I noticed the clinking of ice cubesand the sound of coffee slipping down my throat. It was surprisingly wonderful,”said a customer named You Manyu.

To ensure the shop was properly designed, designer Chen Siying first explored the space by touch before envisioning the layout for more than two months.

“Every detail underwent rigorous refinement,” Chen noted. “For example, baristas pull service carts backward instead of pushing them forward to prevent accidental collisions with guests.”

The caféadheres to stringentsanitation guidelines. Founder Wang Tian explained that cleaning is a built-in step in the coffee-making process—no matter how clean the surfaces are, visually impaired baristas always give them another wipe.

A sighted staff member helps clear tables, chairs, and floors. Additionally, multiple infrared cameras enable off-site staff members to monitor the store in real time, sending instant alerts to ensure hygiene and safety standards are upheld.

Drinking coffee in complete darkness is a unique experience, but how to avoid potential safety hazards?

Shanghai’s fire and rescue and market supervision departments were involved in the café’s design from the earliest stages.During emergencies,automated lighting activates to guide evacuations, with sighted personnel stationed nearby for additional support.

Assistive technology alsoplays a crucial role.

In the preparatory phase, the team realized that standard coffee machines weren’t suitable for blind baristas. Collaborating with manufacturers, they engineered a custom-designed machine featuring ergonomically distinct buttons for instant tactile recognition.

In other branches of the brand, hearing-impaired baristas utilize AI-enabled smart glasses that provide real-time speech-to-text transcription, alongside vibrating smart wristbands that alert them to incoming orders, minimizing service gaps.

Wang noted, “China’s ecosystem of innovative SMEs and equipment suppliers has been pivotal. Their competitively priced products have effectively addressed many real-world challenges we faced.”

Since its December 2024 launch, the café has achieved operational breakeven with steadily rising foot traffic. Bookings indicate sustained growth, positioning the outlet for continued upward momentum.

To date, the café and its 10+ affiliated locations have generated employment for 80+ individuals with disabilities, while amplifying societal awareness and advocacy for those with physical and cognitive impairments.

By He Yin, People’s Daily

The China Development Forum (CDF) 2025 convened in Beijing from March 23 to 24, bringing together global leaders to addressthe theme “Unleashing Development Momentum for Stable Growth of Global Economy.” Participants examined the challenges and opportunities facing the global economy while observing China’seconomic dynamism and its role as a stabilizing force.

Amid growing international recognition of China’s growth engine potential, “expanding investments in China” has emerged as a key priority for global businesses.

Executives from multinational corporations—includingApple, Siemens, and BMW, —joined industry leaders from Global South countries such as Malaysia and Brazil,  representing industries spanning manufacturing, finance, and services. This diverse participation underscores heightened interest in China’s market opportunities.

Attendees emphasized their confidence in China’s market potential, optimism about the opportunities it offers, and commitment to long-term cooperation with China.

Ola Kaellenius, chairman of the board of management at Mercedes-Benz, stated that the company has greatly benefited from China’s rapid economic growth and reaffirmed its commitment to long-term investment in China. He pledged to accelerate innovation and product localization at “Chinese speed,”underscoring Mercedes-Benz’s dedication to mutual growth within China.

Georges Elhedery, group chief executive of HSBC Holdings, highlighted the expanding opportunities in global trade and investment,expressing enthusiasm for supporting China’s future prosperity.He reiterated HSBC’s role in fostering deeper integration between China and the global economy..

Roland Busch, foreign co-chair of the CDF 2025 and president and CEO of Siemens AG.said China has found the answer to the question of where growth will come from.

This year’s forum showcased notable highlights that reinforce the resilience, potential, and vitality of the Chinese economy.Thriving consumer markets in film, winter sports, and tourism exemplify the vast potential of domestic economic circulation.Concurrently, technological breakthroughs—epitomized by Hangzhou’s innovative startups, often dubbed the”Six Little Dragons” —highlight China’sburgeoning innovation capabilities. Meanwhile, the rapid expansion of green home appliance and new energy industries underscores the transformative opportunities driving sustainable development.

New momentum across diverse industries continues to gain strength,positioning itself as a sustainable and powerful driver for China’s long-term economic advancement.Dilma Vana Rousseff, president of the New Development Bank, commended China’s transformative economic evolution, highlighting its shift from the”world’s factory”to a “global innovation powerhouse.”

Through deliberatestrategic planning and sustained investment, China has solidified itsleadership in renewable energy and artificial intelligence—achievements underpinned by forward-looking policies and proactive governance.

Amid escalatingglobal uncertainties and instability, China’ssteadfast commitment to high-quality developmentensures it remains an anchor of stability for the global economy, reinforcing its role as a reliable engine for global growth.

As the globaleconomy grows increasingly fragmented—marked by rising unilateralism, protectionism, and resistance to economic globalization—historical lessons reaffirm that openness and collaboration remain the only path to shared prosperity.

As a responsible major power, China remains unwavering in its support for the multilateral trade system and its committed to advancing inclusive economic globalization. Significant strides have been made in rebalancing the economy, evidenced by the current account surplus-to-GDP ratio stabilizing at approximately 1%—a marked reduction from its peak of around 10% in 2007.

Amid shifting global dynamics, China continues to champion openness andinternationalcooperation, advocating for fair competition anchored in universally recognized rules.This approach safeguards the stability of global trade flows and industrial supply chains while fostering shared growth through mutually beneficial partnerships with nations worldwide.

Oliver Zipse, chairman of the board of management of BMW Group, emphasized that tariff wars yield no victors, only losses. He reiterated confidence in China’s economic trajectory and its strategic focus on deepening market engagement. BMW, he noted, is accelerating investments in localized production, R&D capabilities, and long-term partnerships with Chinese stakeholders to strengthen its foothold in this critical market.

Development is the eternal theme of human society. China has consistently aligned its own development with global progress, steeringeconomic globalization toward the right direction, practicing true multilateralism, and striving to serve as a force for stability and certainty in global peace and development. China remains committed to working with all parties to counter risks and challenges, achieving shared prosperitythrough collective efforts.

By Qiang Wei, People’s Daily

The Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2025 Press Conferencewas held on March 25 in Boao, south China’s Hainan province. The conference unveiledtwo flagship reports: the Asian Economic Outlook and Integration Progress Annual Report 2025, and Sustainable Development: Asia and the World Annual Report 2025 — Addressing Climate Change: Asia Going Green.

Bothreports cast Asia as a stabilizing pillar of the world economy, with green transformation becoming an indispensable driver for sustainable economic development.

Analysts underscored China’s proactive role in spearheading regional growth, economic integration, and green transformation, noting that the nation’shigh-quality development will provide more robust boost to the global economy.

Despite a complex international landscape marred by rising unilateralism and protectionism, “Asian economies, particularly China and ASEAN, are demonstrating strong resilience and vitality,”said BFA Secretary General Zhang Jun.”Asia continues to lead the world in economic growth, goods and services trade, and regional integration, nurturing new potential and fresh opportunities.”

Central to the discussion was the growing influence of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), a free trade area that has brought together the world’slargest population and trade market since its inceptionover three years ago.

The Asian Economic Outlook and Integration Progress Annual Report 2025 observed that by integrating economic and trade cooperation mechanisms in Asia, the RCEP has become an important lever for safeguarding global free trade and promoting regional economic growth.

The International Monetary Fund has predicted that the RCEP region’s GDP will increase by $10.9 trillion from 2023 to 2029, contributing more than 40 percent to global economic growth.

According to the report, Asia’sweighted real GDP growth rate is projected to reach 4.5 percent in 2025, with Asia remaining a key growth engine for the world economy.

Moreover, at purchasing power parity, the region’s share of global GDP is expected toincrease from 48.1 percent in 2024 to 48.6 percent in 2025, said Zhang Yuyan, dean of the School of International Politics and Economics at the University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.”We have every reason to be confident in the economic future of Asia,” he noted.

Equally compelling is Asia’sunwavering commitment to sustainability.The Sustainable Development: Asia and the World Annual Report 2025 — Addressing Climate Change: Asia Going Green said that to address climate challenges, the region is pursuing a green transition, integrating both climate action and nature-based solutions to chart a new pathway for resilient and sustainable development.

Helena McLeod, deputy director general at the Global Green Growth Institute, noted that strong policy support, a dynamic innovation ecosystem, and significant investment in new energy vehicles, energy storage, and renewable energy have positioned China – and by extension, Asia – as a frontrunner in green technology research and development.

Investment in clean energy across Asia is on a steady rise. In 2023, China’s clean energy investments accounted for one-third of the global total.Erik Berglof, chief economist with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, lauded China’sachievements in green transformation and technology, describing its progress as a blueprint for sustainable development that other nations might well follow.

With foreign investment continuously flowing into the region, Zafar Uddin Mahmood, policy advisor to the secretary general of the BFA, highlighted Asia’s attractiveness as an investment destination. He noted that China’s proactive approach to openingup and its efforts to coordinate trade across the region are injecting momentum into global economic recovery and sustainable growth.

A survey titled “Global and Asian Economic Confidence”conducted by the forum’sresearch institute revealed widespread optimism about China’s economic prospects. Respondents citedgreen, low-carbon, high-end, and intelligent manufacturing as key drivers of the country’s economic growth in 2025.

BFAchairman and former UN secretary-generalBan Ki-moon noted that in an interdependent global economy, the future hinges on openness and inclusiveness. As economic globalization faces mounting challenges, China’s commitment to high-level openingup remains crucial not just for Asia, but for the world at large, he said.