China’s Premier Li Qiang Calls for Trust, Cooperation, and Multilateralism at WEF 2024
China’s Premier Li Qiang delivered a special address at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting 2024 held in Davos, Switzerland. The theme of this year’s meeting, Rebuilding Trust, resonates with the concerns of people around the world. Premier Li emphasized the importance of trust in achieving a better future for humanity and the need for international cooperation.
Amidst the turbulence and transformation in the world, Premier Li highlighted that the overall direction of human development and progress, as well as the pursuit of a shared future for the international community, remains unchanged. He called on all parties to discard prejudice, bridge divides, and work together to address the existing trust deficit.
To rebuild trust, Premier Li proposed a five-point plan. Firstly, he stressed the need to strengthen macroeconomic policy coordination and safeguard the multilateral trading system to foster global economic growth. Secondly, Premier Li called for the promotion of trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, as well as the maintenance of global industrial and supply chain stability.
Furthermore, Premier Li emphasized the importance of global exchanges and cooperation in science and technology, advocating for an open, fair, and non-discriminatory environment for innovation. He also highlighted the need to enhance cooperation on green development and address global climate change by removing barriers and upholding common but differentiated responsibilities.
Lastly, Premier Li emphasized the importance of North-South and South-South cooperation, underscoring the commitment to implementing the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and bridging development gaps for an inclusive world economy.
Premier Li reaffirmed China’s commitment to its fundamental national policy of opening up and stated that the Chinese market presents not a risk but an opportunity. He expressed China’s readiness to embrace investments from businesses worldwide and further enhance institutional opening up, provide national treatment for foreign businesses, and create a market-oriented, law-based, and world-class business environment.
During a Q&A session, Premier Li emphasized the importance of good governance in Artificial Intelligence (AI), stressing the need for AI to be people-centered, inclusive, and beneficial to all. He emphasized China’s support for multilateralism, highlighting that China does not walk away from agreements or ask other countries to pick sides, remaining a staunch supporter of global cooperation.
The WEF Annual Meeting was attended by political figures, business representatives, academics, and media professionals from various countries, including the President of the Swiss Confederation, the President of Rwanda, and the President of Ghana.
Premier Li’s call for trust, cooperation, and multilateralism underscores China’s commitment to global development and its willingness to work collaboratively for a better future for all. China’s emphasis on strengthening economic coordination, green development, and international cooperation in science and technology reflects its vision for a sustainable and prosperous world.
