Chinese culture series brings traditional arts, contemporary expressions to WTO

WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said the cultural performance and reception were "a fitting way" to conclude the opening day of the Public Forum, which highlighted "another aspect of trade and globalization — cultural exchange".

"Music and food have always accompanied trade," she said, noting that centuries before economists began thinking about trade and comparative advantage, goods, money, and ideas were already moving around the world.

She welcomed the event as a contribution by a WTO member to its largest outreach event and thanked the Chinese side for hosting the cultural program.

Okonjo-Iweala said she had walked through the craft exhibition themed "Crafted Anew" and encouraged guests to visit it. The exhibition showcases contemporary products and designs rooted in Chinese cultural traditions, including cultural and creative products from China's Palace Museum, opera-themed designs, porcelain, silver jewelry and Miao embroidery. Visitors can also explore Chinese culture through virtual reality experiences.

The cultural performance celebrates the diversity of Chinese culture through opera, traditional instrumental music, and folk choral singing and dance. Woven through the program is the concept of harmony, reflecting the idea that cultures can thrive together.

This year's WTO Public Forum, themed "Powering the Future", brings together 4,600 registered participants for 113 sessions to discuss the future of the global trading system at a challenging time for international trade. The forum will run through Thursday.