Soundbites

In the context of openness, China should continuously enhance the quality and level of trade and investment cooperation. This involves steadily expanding institutionalized openness in terms of rules, regulations, management and standards, among others, and… expanding a network of high-standard free trade zones oriented to the rest of the world, and thoroughly participating in global industrial division and cooperation.

Xie Fuzhan, deputy director of the Committee on Economic Affairs of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference

The Belt and Road Initiative is a huge opportunity to help enhance people-to-people exchanges and share the experience of China's development, which has lifted more people out of poverty than all other developing countries combined. At the same time, China, as a leader in green development, can promote ecological growth in other participating economies.

Erik Solheim, former under-secretary-general of the United Nations

Speakers have spoken about the sluggish development of the Chinese economy in recent years. This is correct, but it's very important to be proportionate. That is, by international standards, China's economy is still growing much faster than the other major economic centers… It's sluggish by Chinese standards, but by international standards, (it's) very fast.

John Ross, former director of the Department of Economic and Business Policy of London

As climate change is the defining issue of the time and humanity is at a critical juncture, China's role in combating climate change is crucial. With a lot of experience to share, China has transcended other countries in terms of application of renewable energy and investment in research and development, which will contribute to commercialization and price reduction of renewable energy.

Kaja Glomm, minister counselor, deputy head of mission, Norwegian Embassy in China

In the process of opening-up, China has harnessed knowledge spillover and technology transfer over the past few decades, fully realizing the advantages of being a latecomer and advancing its own growth. China should not close its door in the next stage of development because of certain countries' suppression. Rather, it should open up even wider and leverage its comparative advantages to the full extent possible.

Fan Gang, president of the China Development Institute

China's development presents opportunities, not threats, to the rest of the world. Western nations need to increase their understanding of China and be more accommodating to China's development. China, in return, should grasp the overarching global trends, remain confident… and strive for modernization, making a greater contribution to world peace and human development.

Liu Zhenmin, former UN undersecretary-general for economic and social affairs