Distinguished international guests at the Boao Forum for Asia 2025 Annual Conference, including the former head of the U.S. commerce department, have been sharing with the media their optimism about the benefits of China’s comprehensive deepening of reforms and further opening-up initiatives.
The event, which runs from Tuesday to Friday in Boao in south China's Hainan Province, features over 50 sub-forums and approximately 20 media briefings, with representatives from the global political, business, and academic spheres gathering to pool their wisdom and collaborate on shaping the future.
Four sub-forums on topics including China's reforms and economic outlook and the development of global free trade ports were held on Tuesday.
Arancha Gonzalez, the chief of staff to the director-general of the World Trade Organization, underscored the rapid growth of the global trade in services, a sector in which China excels.
"The part of international trade that is growing fastest today is trade in services. This is what China can offer. It's offering opportunities also to the rest of the world," Gonzalez told China Central Television (CCTV).
Carlos Gutierrez, former U.S. Secretary of Commerce, shared his optimism regarding China's economic prospects.
"I'm very optimistic about China's economy, about the leadership of China, their ability to grow the economy and continue to grow. So, I'm a big believer in the future of China, I'm very optimistic that China can hit the target," Gutierrez said.
The Boao Forum for Asia was founded in 2001 and offers a platform for dialogue between leaders from government, business, academia and other organizations to discuss economic, social and environmental issues, promote economic cooperation and support the sustainable development of Asia's economy.
With the theme "Asia in the changing World: Towards a shared Future," this year's event focuses on four key topics: rebuilding trust to promote cooperation, the rebalance of globalization and inclusive development, sustainable development, and the development of artificial intelligence and innovation.
International guests at Boao Forum welcome China’s reforms and opening-up
