As rain pattered steadily against umbrellas outside the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, a buzz of anticipation filled the air as global business and trade leaders gathered for the Global Trade and Investment Promotion Summit 2025. The event, hosted by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), attracted over 800 delegates committed to discussing pivotal themes of digital intelligence and collaborative economic development.

Amidst the flurry of activity, key terms resonating throughout the summit included artificial intelligence and industrial chain cooperation, with an overarching emphasis on China's role in these discussions. Sherard Cowper-Coles, chair of the China-Britain Business Council, articulated the sentiment shared by many, underscoring that British businesses journeying to China are eager to explore developmental opportunities, not merely for profit but also to engage in the nation's innovative environment.

Delegates at the summit expressed strong optimism regarding China's unwavering commitment to free trade, which has not only solidified its standing as a dominant trade player but has also fostered global economic cooperation, especially in an era marked by rising protectionism. Low Kian Chuan, president of the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia, echoed this sentiment, noting the recent conclusion of negotiations on the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA) as a landmark step toward enhanced regional collaboration.

Wang Yiwei, a professor at Renmin University of China, provided insight into the broader implications of China's regional opening-up achievements, asserting that initiatives such as CAFTA and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership serve to enhance global economic stability. These measures, including extending zero-tariff treatment to all 43 least-developed countries with which China maintains diplomatic ties, reflect China's deep-seated confidence in its economic openness.

Industry experts highlighted the resilience of China's industrial chains as a significant factor driving its potential for global cooperation. Jack Perry, chairman of The 48 Group in Britain, remarked on China's scalability in producing high-quality goods, indicating that this capability not only meets global demands but continues to grow exponentially. Along similar lines, a survey conducted by the China-Australia Chamber of Commerce revealed that Australian firms are increasingly prioritizing partnerships with Chinese companies to enhance supply chain resilience.

The commitment of international businesses to the Chinese market is illustrated through tangible actions. Yu Feng, president of Honeywell China, emphasized the longstanding collaborative relationship with China, expressing that as the nation enters a new developmental phase, partnerships with Chinese entities have become increasingly vital in a rapidly changing global landscape.

Since the beginning of 2023, China has attracted significant foreign investments, with automotive and technology giants making substantial commitments to the country. Notable instances include Toyota's strategic cooperation agreement worth 14.6 billion yuan (approximately 2.03 billion U.S. dollars) in Shanghai, and AstraZeneca's landmark agreement to invest 2.5 billion U.S. dollars in a global R&D center in Beijing.

Additionally, Panasonic Energy marked a milestone last month with the delivery of its first batch of large-diameter batteries, enabling the full commercialization of its project valued at over 50 million yuan. Tetsuro Homma, executive vice president of Panasonic Holdings Corporation, stated that the company is poised to further invest in China's new energy battery market, focusing on capacity integration, R&D, and sustainable manufacturing practices.

As the influx of foreign firms into China's burgeoning market continues, the CCPIT remains dedicated to enhancing its services and expanding its international connections. Ren Hongbin, the chairman of the council, emphasized the commitment to build an open world economy, highlighting the ongoing efforts to foster a collaborative and prosperous global trade environment.