Experts hail Li's speech at Davos meet

Premier lays emphasis on rules-based trading system, promotion of tech-sharing 

Experts lauded Chinese Premier Li Qiang's address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Tuesday, emphasizing China's commitment to global engagement — a pivotal imperative in the current global landscape.

Ebrahim Patel, minister of trade, industry and competition of South Africa, praised Li's insights into maintaining a multilateral rules-based system, promoting technology-sharing and addressing climate change.

Speaking to China Daily at the congress center following the speech, Patel shared his perspective, saying, "I thought that Premier Li had some thoughtful comments, particularly on the need for us to ensure that we maintain a multilateral rules-based system, that there is greater sharing of the fruits of science and technology, and that we work on climate change as a common global goal."

Patel was particularly attuned to one of the five proposals for rebuilding trust in the international environment put forth by Li, emphasizing the importance of heightened levels of South-South cooperation.

"From that, I gather that there is an openness from China for greater collaboration also on the southern countries' agenda on industrialization. We do need a rules-based system; we do need global openness; the world is becoming a better place as a result of people trading, investing and sharing technologies," he added.

Highlighting the session's significance, Patel noted the keen interest of participants from both the private sector and governments worldwide. He stressed the global impact of China's actions, saying, "What happens in China does impact the world." As a result, there was a collective desire to hear Premier Li's perspective firsthand.

Li's participation marked the highest-ranking Chinese official to attend the annual gathering in person since President Xi Jinping's presence in 2017.

Borge Brende, president of the World Economic Forum, perceives Li's attendance at Davos, accompanied by a prominent delegation, as a tangible illustration of China's dedication to demonstrating openness and active engagement on the global stage.

"China remains very open for international business and plays a major role, particularly with the Global South," remarked Brende. While navigating the North-South and East-West dimensions, he said China's involvement is essential in international negotiations to get anything done.

Meaningful engagement

Joe Ngai, chairman of McKinsey & Company, Greater China, highlighted the essence of Davos in fostering meaningful engagement and discussions in an environment conducive to such exchanges. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 years, which limited participation, he finds it encouraging to witness the resurgence of China's presence at Davos.

He deems this renewed engagement crucial, especially in a year when global collaboration and dialogue are paramount. "The positive signal from countries, including China, actively participating and sending delegations reinforces the importance of these dialogues," he added.

Christopher Bovis, a professor of international business law at the University of Hull in the United Kingdom, said: "The most important takeaway from the premier's speech in Davos is the commitment of China's administration to the principles of free trade and globalization.

"This is exactly what rebuilding trust is about: Trusting globalization, trusting free trade and allowing economies to cooperate with a view to sharing the economic growth among the participants of the global economies," he added.

wangmingjie@mail.chinadailyuk.com