In a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE) and the Hongqiao International Economic Forum in Shanghai on Tuesday, Chinese Premier Li Qiang pledged to further expand China’s opening up and transform its vast market into significant opportunities for the world.
Premier Li emphasized that hosting the CIIE is a crucial measure for China to enhance openness and cooperation, symbolizing the country’s solemn commitment to the international community. “If the first CIIE was a one-way invitation from China to the world, then each subsequent edition has become a mutual commitment between China and the world,” he remarked, “reflecting our shared aspirations for openness and cooperation.”
Addressing the need to strengthen consensus on openness, Li urged all parties to jointly uphold the international economic and trade order, adhere to established rules and regulations, and earnestly fulfill multilateral and bilateral economic and trade agreements.
He announced that China will further expand institutional opening up and actively align with high-standard international economic and trade rules. “We will implement strategies for upgrading pilot free trade zones,” Li stated, highlighting China’s commitment to deepening reforms and fostering a more favorable business environment.
Li underscored China’s willingness to open its enormous market even further. He outlined measures including implementing unilateral opening policies and offering zero-tariff treatment for all tariff lines from least developed countries. “We aim to effectively turn our huge market into great global opportunities,” he said.
Reaffirming China’s dedication to global trade, Li emphasized the importance of safeguarding the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core. He expressed support for developing countries to share more benefits of globalization.
“China stands ready to continue close coordination and cooperation with all parties in international economic organizations,” Li declared. “We will take the lead in exploring the implementation of the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement and join efforts to build an open world economy.”
Despite global economic uncertainties, Li expressed confidence in China’s economic resilience. “The fundamentals of the Chinese economy remain sound,” he asserted. “The Chinese government is capable of promoting steady economic growth and contributing more to global development and the welfare of humanity.”
Foreign leaders and heads of international organizations attending the ceremony praised the CIIE as a significant international platform for promoting trade and investment, and for boosting openness and cooperation. They voiced confidence in the Chinese economy and its prospects.
Expressing a willingness to advance cooperation with China, they highlighted joint efforts in building the Belt and Road, as well as collaboration in areas such as economy, trade, connectivity, and green development. They emphasized the importance of maintaining free trade and promoting equality, progress, and sustainable development worldwide.
Reference(s):
Chinese premier pledges further opening up, cooperation at 7th CIIE
cgtn.com
