Beijing pledges greater market access as global CEOs gather at China Development Forum

China’s Vice Premier, He Lifeng, has reassured foreign business leaders that Beijing remains committed to opening its market and attracting more investment from multinational companies. This pledge was made during the China Development Forum, which began on Sunday, according to a statement from the Ministry of Commerce.

He Lifeng also emphasized the importance of deepening economic and trade partnerships between the U.S. and China. He met with top executives from Apple, Pfizer, Mastercard, Eli Lilly, and other multinational corporations.

“China remains committed to expanding high-level market opening, improving the business environment, and encouraging more multinational companies to deepen their investment in the country,” He said, adding that China’s economy remains “resilient, full of potential, and vitality.”

Among the global executives in attendance were Tim Cook of Apple, Cristiano Amon of Qualcomm, and Pascal Soriot of AstraZeneca, as well as visiting U.S. Republican Senator Steve Daines.

The forum comes as Beijing seeks to attract foreign investment amid sluggish domestic consumption and a prolonged real estate slump. U.S. tariffs continue to pose challenges to China’s export sector, which has been a rare bright spot in its faltering economy.

During the event’s opening, Chinese Premier Li Qiang urged nations to embrace globalization rather than economic fragmentation. He encouraged entrepreneurs to support global trade and market openness.

In a separate meeting on Sunday, Premier Li met with U.S. Senator Daines and senior executives from American firms. He reiterated that cooperation between the U.S. and China is mutually beneficial, warning against the adverse effects of tariffs.

“No country can achieve development and prosperity through imposing tariffs,” Li stated.

Senator Daines’ visit marked the first trip to China by a U.S. politician since Donald Trump assumed office in January. Daines later shared on social media that American CEOs discussed their commitment to the Chinese market while also highlighting concerns, including Trump’s push for China to take stronger action against fentanyl precursor exports.

Meanwhile, Chinese commerce ministry officials have recently engaged with executives from foreign firms such as Airbus, PepsiCo, Procter & Gamble, and Honeywell, as part of Beijing’s broader efforts to maintain investor confidence in the country.

Credit: CNBC