Keynote Speech by Chinese Premier Li Qiang

Chinese Premier Li Qiang opened the China Development Forum 2025 with a keynote speech that focused on China’s economic recovery, innovation, and global cooperation. He emphasized the need for stability in the global economy and highlighted China’s commitment to driving growth through technological advancements.

Premier Li stressed the importance of innovation in sectors like artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and digital transformation. He noted that these areas are critical for China’s long-term economic growth and competitiveness. He also called for stronger international collaboration to address global challenges, including supply chain disruptions and climate change.

On environmental sustainability, Premier Li outlined China’s plans to transition to a low-carbon economy. He mentioned the country’s investments in renewable energy and green finance as key steps toward achieving this goal. He also reaffirmed China’s commitment to the Belt and Road Initiative, emphasizing its role in fostering global economic integration and cooperation.

Premier Li highlighted the importance of private enterprises in driving innovation and economic growth. He pledged to improve the business environment by reducing regulatory burdens and encouraging foreign investment. His speech set the tone for the forum, focusing on collaboration, innovation, and sustainable development.

Economic Recovery and Stability

The forum addressed China’s strategies for economic recovery, with a focus on fiscal and monetary policies. Experts discussed the role of infrastructure investment in boosting growth and creating jobs. They also highlighted the importance of increasing consumer spending and domestic demand to stabilize the economy.

Global economic trends, such as inflation and supply chain disruptions, were identified as key challenges. Participants emphasized the need for resilient supply chains and the role of digital technologies in addressing these issues. The digital economy, including e-commerce and fintech, was seen as a major driver of recovery.

Looking ahead, China aims to maintain steady economic growth by balancing short-term recovery efforts with long-term structural reforms. The discussions underscored the importance of adaptability in a rapidly changing global economy.

Sustainable Development and Environmental Policies

Sustainable development was a central theme at the forum. Participants discussed China’s transition to a low-carbon economy and the role of renewable energy in achieving this goal. Solar, wind, and hydropower were highlighted as key areas of investment.

Environmental protection measures, such as pollution control and waste management, were also discussed. Green finance emerged as a critical tool for funding sustainable projects, with financial institutions playing a key role in supporting these initiatives.

Climate change was identified as a major challenge, with participants calling for international cooperation to address its impacts. China’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable practices was a recurring topic throughout the discussions.

Technological Innovation and Digital Transformation

Technological innovation was a major focus at the forum. Experts discussed the role of artificial intelligence, big data, and blockchain in transforming industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and finance. These technologies are expected to drive productivity and competitiveness in the coming years.

Digital transformation was highlighted as a key factor in China’s economic growth. Participants emphasized the need for upskilling workers to adapt to the changing job market. Government policies supporting research and development were seen as essential for fostering innovation.

The digital economy presents both challenges and opportunities, including issues related to data security and privacy. However, the potential for growth in this sector remains significant, with China leading the way in many areas of technological advancement.

International Cooperation and Global Governance

The forum emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing global challenges. The Belt and Road Initiative was discussed as a key platform for fostering economic integration and development.

Multilateralism and the role of international organizations were highlighted as essential for effective global governance. Participants acknowledged the challenges posed by geopolitical tensions but stressed the need for collaboration to ensure economic stability.

China’s role in global governance was a key topic, with discussions focusing on its contributions to international development and its efforts to promote peace and cooperation.

Private Enterprises and the Business Environment

Private enterprises were recognized as a driving force behind China’s economic growth. Participants discussed the importance of creating a favorable business environment by reducing regulatory barriers and encouraging innovation.

Challenges faced by private enterprises, such as access to funding and market competition, were also addressed. Regulatory reforms and policy changes were seen as critical for supporting the growth of these businesses.

International business cooperation and foreign investment were highlighted as key factors in driving innovation and economic development. The discussions underscored the importance of fostering a dynamic and inclusive business environment in China.