High-profile executives from Apple, BMW, Nestle, and other multinational giants joined Chinese leaders at the China Development Forum 2025, signaling robust confidence in the nation's economic trajectory despite global headwinds. The event, attended by over 700 global representatives, highlighted China's pivotal role in stabilizing worldwide growth through market openness and innovation.
Unprecedented Global Participation
Corporate heavyweights from 27 U.S. firms and 28 European companies dominated attendance, alongside first-time participants like IKEA and Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Nearly 20% of attending enterprises were newcomers—a record high—with strong representation across finance, healthcare, energy, and consumer goods sectors.
Policy Commitments for Growth
Chinese Premier Li Qiang opened the forum by pledging to expand market access and address foreign businesses' operational concerns. "In an era of economic fragmentation, China will remain a stabilizer by deepening international cooperation," he stated, emphasizing measures to integrate overseas investors into domestic supply chains.
Corporate Chiefs Bet on Innovation
Multiple CEOs announced plans to increase R&D investment in China, citing its evolving consumer markets and technological capabilities. IKEA Group CEO Jon Abrahamsson Ring revealed that 25% of the company's global products are manufactured in China through 300+ local partnerships, adding: "We're committed to another six decades here."
The two-day forum, themed "Unleashing Development Momentum for Stable Growth," concluded with consensus on China's critical role in revitalizing global trade frameworks and green technology advancement.
