Expo a vote of confidence in open global economy

It might be the worst of times for China's economy given the rise of unilateralism and protectionism as represented by the United States, in particular, erecting trade barriers against its trade partners, including imposing hefty tariffs on $250 billion of Chinese goods.

Yet it could also be the best of times for China's deepening reform and opening-up, for in the face of adversity the country's resolve to promote free trade and open its market wider has never been stronger.

The country's growth over the past four decades is a success story which proves that only through opening-up and full economic engagement with the rest of the world can the country prosper.