International firms aim for growth, economic collaboration at CDF 2025
As the China Development Forum 2025 approaches, global business leaders are seeking opportunities to enhance their presence in China.
TroibNews 
Global business leaders are eager to enhance their presence in China in anticipation of the upcoming China Development Forum 2025.
"I'm here early for CDF this time," remarked Merlin Swire, CEO of John Swire & Sons, during a meeting with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao as the forum's opening approaches. Swire announced intentions to boost investments in China's real estate, aviation, and healthcare sectors.
Scheduled for March 23-24 in Beijing, the CDF has been a key platform for dialogue among the Chinese government, global businesses, academia, and international organizations since its founding in 2000. The forum reflects China's commitment to openness and international collaboration.
This year’s CDF is themed "Unleashing Development Momentum for Stable Global Growth" and will feature 12 symposiums along with several closed-door sessions that will address topics such as healthcare, consumption, AI, and sustainable supply chains.
Alongside Swire, industry leaders including Schneider Electric, TotalEnergies, and Swiss Re are expected to participate in this annual forum, which occurs after China's Two Sessions—a significant political event that influences the country's policy direction amid a complex global landscape.
Many attendees of CDF 2025 have been participants for years. Jean-Pascal Tricoire, chairman of Schneider Electric, noted in a letter shared on CDF's official WeChat account that he has been attending the forum since 2012. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Tricoire stated, "Happy 25th Anniversary!" He commended the forum’s visionary approach to China's development, economic transformation, digitization, and sustainability.
Reflecting on the past quarter-century as a "remarkable period" of economic growth for both China and Schneider Electric, Tricoire highlighted China's continuing role as a vital 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, also a participant since 2012, emphasized the forum’s importance. In a letter on CDF's official WeChat account, Swiss Re Group CEO Andreas Berger expressed his excitement about attending CDF for the first time during its milestone anniversary.
Berger described China as one of the most dynamic economies globally, underscoring its strategic significance to Swiss Re. He acknowledged the growing complexities of global challenges, including geopolitical tensions and fragmented economic growth, and highlighted the forum’s role in facilitating open and meaningful discussions. "At this year's CDF, I look forward to exchanging ideas and inspiring one another," Berger stated.
Beyond sharing ideas, business leaders place great importance on direct interactions with Chinese policymakers at the forum.
"The opportunity to engage directly with leaders and policymakers at the forum is invaluable for multinational corporations," emphasized Tricoire.
During his meeting with Swire, Commerce Minister Wang Wentao underscored China's expansive consumer market potential and reiterated the government's commitment to enhancing the business environment, facilitating high-level opening-up, and increasing market access in areas such as telecommunications, healthcare, and education. "This will create greater market opportunities for foreign enterprises, including Swire Group," Wang remarked.
Allen M Lee for TROIB News
"I'm here early for CDF this time," remarked Merlin Swire, CEO of John Swire & Sons, during a meeting with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao as the forum's opening approaches. Swire announced intentions to boost investments in China's real estate, aviation, and healthcare sectors.
Scheduled for March 23-24 in Beijing, the CDF has been a key platform for dialogue among the Chinese government, global businesses, academia, and international organizations since its founding in 2000. The forum reflects China's commitment to openness and international collaboration.
This year’s CDF is themed "Unleashing Development Momentum for Stable Global Growth" and will feature 12 symposiums along with several closed-door sessions that will address topics such as healthcare, consumption, AI, and sustainable supply chains.
Alongside Swire, industry leaders including Schneider Electric, TotalEnergies, and Swiss Re are expected to participate in this annual forum, which occurs after China's Two Sessions—a significant political event that influences the country's policy direction amid a complex global landscape.
Many attendees of CDF 2025 have been participants for years. Jean-Pascal Tricoire, chairman of Schneider Electric, noted in a letter shared on CDF's official WeChat account that he has been attending the forum since 2012. Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Tricoire stated, "Happy 25th Anniversary!" He commended the forum’s visionary approach to China's development, economic transformation, digitization, and sustainability.
Reflecting on the past quarter-century as a "remarkable period" of economic growth for both China and Schneider Electric, Tricoire highlighted China's continuing role as a vital 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, also a participant since 2012, emphasized the forum’s importance. In a letter on CDF's official WeChat account, Swiss Re Group CEO Andreas Berger expressed his excitement about attending CDF for the first time during its milestone anniversary.
Berger described China as one of the most dynamic economies globally, underscoring its strategic significance to Swiss Re. He acknowledged the growing complexities of global challenges, including geopolitical tensions and fragmented economic growth, and highlighted the forum’s role in facilitating open and meaningful discussions. "At this year's CDF, I look forward to exchanging ideas and inspiring one another," Berger stated.
Beyond sharing ideas, business leaders place great importance on direct interactions with Chinese policymakers at the forum.
"The opportunity to engage directly with leaders and policymakers at the forum is invaluable for multinational corporations," emphasized Tricoire.
During his meeting with Swire, Commerce Minister Wang Wentao underscored China's expansive consumer market potential and reiterated the government's commitment to enhancing the business environment, facilitating high-level opening-up, and increasing market access in areas such as telecommunications, healthcare, and education. "This will create greater market opportunities for foreign enterprises, including Swire Group," Wang remarked.
Allen M Lee for TROIB News
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