On June 25, a seminar focused on the China-proposed Global Development Initiative (GDI) took place in the Palace of Nations in Geneva, jointly organized by the Permanent Mission of China to the United Nations Office in Geneva and the China International Import Expo (CIIE) Bureau, gathering over 100 participants from international organizations such as UNCTAD, WTO, ITC, ISO, and the South Center, as well as from permanent missions of various countries, and some exhibitors and partners of the CIIE.

Ambassador Chen Xu, China's permanent representative to the UN Office in Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, said in his speech that since its launch in 2021, the GDI has taken root on Geneva's multilateral platforms, with growing consensus and expanding cooperation networks. The CIIE, as a global public good, has become an important practice for China to deepen economic and trade cooperation with other developing countries. The Chinese side encourages all parties to continue supporting the CIIE and seek to promote economic growth, poverty reduction, and living standard improvements for the people through expanded imports.

Wu Zhengping, executive director-general of the CIIE Bureau and chairman of the Board of the National Exhibition & Convention Center (NECC) (Shanghai), said that the CIIE represents China's efforts to implement the GDI and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It has showcased how trade and open cooperation can contribute to economic growth, inclusive development, innovation, transformation, and a better life for the people, and is bound to contribute more.

Liu Shiguo, senior research fellow from the Institute of World Economic Politics of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, introduced research work for the World Openness Report, a flagship publication of the Hongqiao International Economic Forum, and the World Openness Index, calling for joint efforts to maintain a favorable international environment for open cooperation.

High-level representatives from international organizations expressed their support for the CIIE and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. They also voiced their readiness to strengthen cooperation with China to promote inclusive economic globalization that benefits all. The ambassadors of Pakistan, Cambodia, Peru, and other members of the Group of Friends of the GDI expressed their appreciation for China and the CIIE, calling the expo an important platform for advancing the initiative.

At the seminar, Owen Messick, president of doTERRA China; Ysabel Zea, co-founder of Warmpaca; and Xiao Ping, general manager at Bank of China Geneva Branch, as representatives of CIIE exhibitors, shared stories about how the CIIE has contributed to global trade and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Ambassador Shen Jian, China's deputy permanent representative to the UN Office in Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, served as coordinator at the seminar.

By Li Hanmeng