The 2025 New Year Dialogue Between Diplomats and Business leaders is hosted by the China General Chamber of Commerce in Beijing on Monday. [Photo provided to China Daily]
In the face of rising unilateralism and protectionism in global trade, China remains committed to open cooperation, steadfastly advancing high-level opening-up and deepening multilateral economic engagement to provide sustained momentum for global growth, according to diplomats and business leaders.
They made the comments at the 2025 New Year Dialogue Between Diplomats and Business leaders hosted by the China General Chamber of Commerce in Beijing, with a theme of promoting diverse exchanges and advancing economic integration.
The International Trade Digital Service Platform was launched at the meeting. It offers real-time trade and investment data and updates, integrating global business formation to provide efficient and convenient international trade and consulting services for both Chinese and foreign enterprises, and also helps companies in formulating precise trade strategies.
Jiang Ming, president of China General Chamber of Commerce, said the institution, as the most comprehensive social organization in the trade and circulation sector, will leverage its strengths to work closely with embassies and consulates, chambers of commerce, business organizations and enterprises to build more platforms for exchange and cooperation, offering high-quality and efficient services.
The 2025 New Year Dialogue Between Diplomats and Business leaders is hosted by the China General Chamber of Commerce in Beijing on Monday. [Photo provided to China Daily]
Zhang Zhigang, former vice-minister of Ministry of Commerce, said that the United States government has practiced trade protectionism and waged tariff wars, posing severe challenges to the global economy, while China remains steadfast in advancing high-standard opening-up.
He emphasized that economic and trade cooperation with China is always based on equality and mutual benefit, saying that investing in China means investing in the future.
The Chinese economy has demonstrated remarkable resilience and vitality, supported by a series of government measures to foster innovation, boost consumption, and liberalize trade and investment, all of which have strengthened market confidence, he added.
In the first quarter of 2025, China's GDP grew by 5.4 percent year-on-year, surpassing both the full-year 2024 growth rate of 5 percent and the same period last year, making it one of the top-performing major economies globally.
Hussam AI Husseini, Jordanian ambassador to China, highlighted the importance of trade and investment cooperation in jointly addressing challenges, as the global scenario is undergoing profound and complex changes with the multilateral trading system facing challenges.
The International Trade Digital Service Platform is launched at the 2025 New Year Dialogue Between Diplomats and Business leaders in Beijing on Monday. [Photo provided to China Daily]
Commerce extends beyond mere profitability; it serves as a vital mechanism for problem-solving, he said, adding that by fostering diverse exchanges, deepening mutual understanding of global challenges, and strengthening collaborative efforts, countries could collectively enhance economic stability.
Juha Tuominen, chairman of Finnish Chamber of Commerce in China, Beijing, said China serves as a vital market for Finnish companies, offering extensive growth opportunities driven by its rapid development and robust economic expansion.
Finnish firms are actively expanding their presence in China, focusing on serving the local market and customers Tuominen said.
Innovation and digitalization are key areas of collaboration between the two nations, he said, adding that the two countries' shared commitment to sustainable development further enhances prospects for deeper cooperation.
At the event, representatives from Chinese and foreign enterprises presented high-quality projects and shared cross-border business experience, with the aim of continuously enhancing cooperation standards.
