INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Global business leaders are looking to expand their presence in China as they gear up for the upcoming China Development Forum (CDF)
2025."I'm here early for CDF this time," said Merlin Swire, CEO of John Swire - Sons, during a meeting with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang
Wentao ahead of the forum's opening
Swire announced plans to increase investment in China's real estate, aviation and healthcare sectors.Scheduled to take place in Beijing on
March 23-24, the CDF has served as a premier platform for dialogue between the Chinese government, global businesses, academia and
international organizations since its inception in 2000
The forum underscores China's commitment to openness and global collaboration.Under the theme "Unleashing Development Momentum for Stable
Global Growth," this year's CDF will feature 12 symposiums and several closed-door sessions, covering topics such as healthcare,
consumption, AI and sustainable supply chains.In addition to Swire, industry giants including Schneider Electric, TotalEnergies, and Swiss
Re are set to participate in the annual forum, which follows China's Two Sessions & a key political event shaping the country's policy
direction amid an increasingly complex global landscape.Many business leaders attending CDF 2025 are long-time participants
Jean-Pascal Tricoire, chairman of Schneider Electric, noted in a letter published on CDF's official WeChat account that he has attended the
Recognizing its 25th anniversary, Tricoire stated "Happy 25th Anniversary!" and praised the forum's forward-looking approach to China's
development, economic transformation, digitization and sustainability.Reflecting on the past 25 years as a "remarkable period" of economic
growth for both China and Schneider Electric, Tricoire emphasized China's ongoing role as a key partner and source of innovation
"As we look to the future, I am excited about the forum's continued role as a platform for dialogue and collaboration
Together, we can address pressing global challenges such as climate change, technological innovation, AI and economic resilience."Swiss Re,
another participant since 2012, also underscored the forum's significance
In a letter published on CDF's official WeChat account, Swiss Re Group CEO Andreas Berger expressed enthusiasm about attending CDF for the
first time coinciding with its 25th anniversary.Describing China as one of the most dynamic economies in the world, Berger highlighted its
strategic importance to Swiss Re
He acknowledged the growing complexities of global challenges, including geopolitical tensions and fragmented economic growth, and stressed
the forum's role in fostering open and in-depth discussions."At this year's CDF, I look forward to exchanging ideas and inspiring one
another," Berger said.Beyond idea-sharing, business leaders also highly value direct engagement with Chinese policymakers at the forum."The
opportunity to engage directly with leaders and policymakers at the forum is invaluable for multinational corporations," said
Tricoire.During his meeting with Swire, Commerce Minister Wang Wentao highlighted China's vast consumer market potential and reaffirmed the
government's commitment to high-level opening-up, improving the business environment, and expanding market access in sectors such as
telecommunications, healthcare and education."This will create greater market opportunities for foreign enterprises, including Swire Group,"
Wang said.(Cover: A view of Lujiazui area in Shanghai, China, March 16, 2025
