Attendees deliver speeches during the salon. [Photo/CIIE Bureau]

The Hongqiao International Economic Forum, an important part of the China International Import Expo, held a salon in Shanghai on March 19.

Renowned experts, central and local government officials, forum member companies, CIIE exhibitors and buyers, and media representatives were invited to attend.

During the event, Zhou Hanmin, a Standing Committee member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, emphasized that China should continue to embrace all-round, high-level, and institutional openness.

Zhao Jinping, former director-general of the Department of Foreign Economic Relations at the Development Research Center of the State Council, elaborated on the opportunities and challenges facing global industrial and supply chain from the perspective of high-level openness.

Zhao noted that while there are signs of stabilization and recovery in the global economy and cross-border greenfield investments, new rules in global cross-border investment have increased the risks and challenges to supply chain stability to some extent.

He suggested supporting investment toward innovation in digital technology, promoting green and low-carbon development, facilitating two-way openness, and enhancing the resource allocation capabilities of local service providers.

Zhang Jun, director of Qingpu district commerce commission, shared examples of how the CIIE and the Hongqiao forum have transformed expo exhibitors into investors and attracted foreign enterprises and investment to the district.

Representatives from Hongqiao forum member companies and other participants then engaged in exchanges and discussions, expanding business networks and exploring cooperation opportunities.

By Zhao Guangmei