The International Symposium on Theme and Topics of the 7th Hongqiao International Economic Forum (HQF) took place in Beijing on March 1.

A total of 139 guests from China and around the world, including United Nations representatives, government officials, and scholars, attended and offered suggestions for the themes of this year's HOF, which is an important part of the annual China International Import Expo.

The International Symposium on Theme and Topics of the 7th Hongqiao International Economic Forum is held in Beijing. [Photo/CIIE Bureau]

Yi Xiaozhun, former deputy director-general of the World Trade Organization and former vice-minister of commerce, pointed out the world is facing intensifying geopolitical conflicts and the rising protectionism and unilateralism. He suggested the Hongqiao forum maintain its focus on openness to promote cooperation and mutual benefit amid the fragmented world economy.

Hamid Rashid, who leads the writing team for the United Nations' report "World Economic Situation and Prospects", said he believes that factors such as high interest rates and technological changes brought about by artificial intelligence pose significant challenges for global economic recovery. He called for more attention to be directed towards the reconstruction of the global monetary system and the promotion of free trade.

Zhang Yuyan, director of the Institute of World Economics and Politics of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said that discriminatory regionalism hampers global openness, while inclusivity serves as the cornerstone for an open world economy. He suggested that the forum's theme should focus on inclusivity and an open global economy.

Believing there is a need to construct a more equitable globalization, promote global technology sharing and align industrial policies with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, Stephen Bainous Kargbo, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization representative to China, suggested the Hongqiao forum should focus on global trade and development to create a sustainable and inclusive future.

Guests deliver speeches at the symposium. [Photo/CIIE Bureau]

By Zhao Guangmei