Participating scholars and experts from China and abroad have lauded the ongoing inaugural World Conference of Classics, saying the event provides a platform for researchers to exchange ideas and build consensus on topics related to classical civilizations.
The first World Conference of Classics convened in Beijing from Wednesday to Friday, uniting 485 scholars and experts from over 30 countries and regions to explore the enduring wisdom of past civilizations.
"One of the most significant things that we can expect to get out of this is dialog between West and East, between European and other scholars and Chinese scholars. I mean, it's very clear that these two intellectual disciplines have an awful lot in common. Both of them are about ancient literate cultures that still have a bearing on the present," said Tim Whitmarsh, regius professor of Greek at the University of Cambridge, and a Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge.
"I think this is precisely opening the way also to collaboration with specialists in Chinese culture, both from western Europe and from China itself. So there are steps that are moving in the right direction for collaboration and openness already," said Michael Trapp, professor emeritus of Classics from the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at King's College London.
Chinese and foreign experts emphasized the importance of classical civilization as a shared heritage, adding that it can inform the development of modern Chinese civilization
"At the current stage, Chinese civilization needs a deeper study and understanding of classical civilization. While exploring Western classical roots, we should use many methods of world classical studies to reinterpret Chinese classics, forming comparisons and mutual interpretations between Chinese and Western civilizations. I think many creative thoughts will gradually emerge in this process," said Wu Fei, professor from the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies at Peking University.
The event seeks to foster intercultural exchange, provide solutions to global challenges, and inspire human progress while aligning with the Global Civilization Initiative.
Chinese, foreign scholars speak highly of World Conference of Classics
Foreign executives attending the ongoing China International Import Expo (CIIE) signaled their intent to deepen investments in China, citing the country's vast opportunities and dynamic business environment.
The executives believe that increased investment in China will help them tap into the country's economic growth and share its development dividends.
"We're super excited because we opened a brand-new factory this year in Changshu. We see a massive growth opportunity, but also we're excited about China -- its a 30-60 (year) journey. It's something we care passionately about and we want to be on that journey with China," said Anne Gronbjerg, vice president of Commercial Building Services at Grundfos.
"In China, actually we have launched more than 80 innovation projects, also we are launching our China 2030 Strategy, which is literally a one billion-dollar investment to accelerate innovation in China from 2025 to 2030," said Jean-Christophe Pointeau, the president of Pfizer China.
"Next year we celebrate our 30th anniversary. We have close to 1800 people here. We've been steady in our investment and that will continue as long as the environment is supportive for us to thrive and engage and support our customers," said Sassine Ghazi, president and CEO of Synopsys, a Silicon Valley company developing electronic design automation software for semiconductor design.
Meanwhile, executives of many foreign enterprises have also noted that China has effectively fostered cooperation and innovation between foreign and Chinese companies, providing a conducive environment for business development.
"We see China as a market for our innovation. The Chinese market or China itself is a source of innovation, and we very much appreciate that environment here that supports us in driving our innovation," said Bjoern Sattler, CFO of Boehringer Ingelheim Greater China, a Germany-based biotech company.
"China is always a huge market, but [this market] is more competitive, and we need to give something that is even better," said Frank Hammes, Global CEO of IQAir, a Swiss air quality technology company.
"CIIE is a massive platform for foreign companies to meet, also local companies to develop projects together, project about innovation, project about partnership," said Jerome Vanachter, president of Lesaffre Greater China, a leader in the field of yeast and bread making in France.
The seventh CIIE, taking place from Tuesday to Sunday in Shanghai, has drawn participants from 152 countries, regions, and international organizations, setting a new record with 297 Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders slated to attend.
Foreign executives attending CIIE target expanded investments in China
