Top executives from some of the world’s biggest companies, including Apple CEO Tim Cook and Cargill CEO Brian Sikes, have gathered in Beijing for the 2025 China Development Forum. Their presence signals a strong vote of confidence in China’s economic future.
This marks Tim Cook’s first trip to China this year, as Apple looks to expand its investments and opportunities in the Chinese market. According to China Daily, Cook met with officials who welcomed the tech giant’s deeper cooperation in the country. Ren Hongbin, chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, expressed that China continues to offer broader opportunities for foreign businesses.
Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, during meetings with global executives, reaffirmed China’s commitment to higher-level opening-up. He welcomed multinational companies to expand their investments in China, emphasizing mutual benefits and win-win outcomes.
On Saturday, Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao met with Oliver Zipse, chairman of the board of management at BMW AG. They discussed BMW’s cooperation with China and touched upon the European Union’s anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese electric vehicles (EVs).
Wang highlighted that China and the EU should work together to support the multilateral trading system, bringing certainty and stability to the world. He assured that China’s policies remain consistent, and the country will continue to optimize its business environment.
Zipse stated that Europe’s green transformation is unattainable without cooperation with China. He expressed optimism about China’s economic prospects and confidence in BMW’s development in the market. Zipse also opposed the EU imposing additional tariffs on Chinese EVs, hoping that both the EU and China can resolve their differences.
The forum showcases a global interest in China’s role in the international economy, with business leaders eager to strengthen ties and explore new opportunities.
