Chinese Premier Li Qiang highlighted the critical need to uphold the multilateral trading system centered around the World Trade Organization, calling for unified efforts to create a stable and orderly global market. Speaking at the ASEAN-China-GCC Economic Forum 2025, Li reaffirmed China’s commitment to high-level openness despite global challenges, emphasizing confidence in steering the nation’s economy steadily forward.
Li urged China, ASEAN, and GCC countries to strengthen cooperation by removing trade barriers amid rising protectionism and unilateral policies worldwide. This stance aligns with China’s broader strategy to deepen economic integration and collaboration.
In support of this vision, China’s Ministry of Commerce announced plans to further enhance the role of state-level economic and technological development zones, vital hubs for attracting foreign investment and stabilizing trade. With 232 zones generating a combined GDP of 16.9 trillion yuan and accounting for nearly a quarter of China’s foreign trade and investment, these zones are key to fostering high-quality industrial growth.
The ministry unveiled a work plan to accelerate reforms, prioritize foreign-funded projects in strategic sectors like integrated circuits and biomedicine, and strengthen ties with global investors. Going forward, efforts will focus on expanding foreign investment sources and encouraging reinvestment by foreign enterprises to sustain China’s open economic system and regional development.