Global business leaders have gathered in Beijing for the China Development Forum (CDF) 2025, which kicked off on Sunday. The two-day event brings together over 80 senior executives and business leaders from leading multinational corporations to discuss key growth issues.
Big names like Apple, Siemens, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz are in attendance, with companies from the United States making up the largest group, totaling 27. The participating multinationals represent a wide range of industries, including finance, insurance, healthcare, and energy. Notably, this year sets a new record for the number of multinationals debuting at the forum, with 17 companies participating for the first time.
At the CDF, Chinese government officials reiterated the country’s commitment to high-level opening-up and global collaboration. In his keynote speech, Chinese Premier Li Qiang emphasized that foreign-funded enterprises are indispensable participants and contributors to China’s development. He pledged to introduce more measures to help these enterprises integrate into the Chinese market.
Li’s remarks were echoed by Han Wenxiu, deputy director of the Office of the Central Commission for Financial and Economic Affairs. Highlighting the recent optimistic sentiment towards the Chinese economy and assets, Han welcomed international investors to deepen their investment in the Chinese market and share in the country’s development.
Foreign CEOs also expressed confidence and determination to expand investment in China. Roland Busch, president and CEO of Siemens AG and co-chair of the CDF 2025, highlighted China’s dedication to promoting high-level opening up and fostering a fair competitive market environment. He added that Siemens will continue to support China’s development through sustained investment, expressing confidence that this sentiment is shared by multinationals worldwide.
Lu Haiqing, global vice president of IHG Hotels & Resorts, believes that investing in China is not a choice but a necessity. “If you want to succeed, you must establish a presence in China,” said Lu in an interview.
Martin Sorrell, executive chairman of S4Capital, stated that the most important aspect of establishing a presence in China is investment, emphasizing the need to further expand in the market.
Under the theme “Unleashing Development Momentum for Stable Growth of Global Economy,” the forum features 12 symposiums and several closed-door sessions. Topics include boosting consumption, developing new quality productive forces, and the inclusive development of artificial intelligence.
As a key international economic forum, the China Development Forum continues to serve as a vital platform for dialogue between policymakers, business leaders, and academics, fostering collaboration to drive global economic growth.
