Guest speakers at the Symposium on Macro Policies and Economic Growth at the China Development Forum (CDF) 2025 expressed optimism about China's economy despite global uncertainties. 

The Symposium on Macro Policies and Economic Growth at the CDF 2025 is held at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, March 23, 2025. [Photo courtesy of China Development Forum 2025]

The symposium held in Beijing on March 23 highlighted the significant transformations and uncertainties the world is undergoing, driven by shifting geopolitical dynamics, trade disruptions, financial instability and rapid technological advancements. 

In light of increasing external uncertainties and instabilities, Han Wenxiu, executive deputy director of the General Office of the Central Commission for Financial and Economic Affairs, stated, "China will respond to external uncertainties with high-quality development, striving to provide a 'stable anchor' for global economic growth." He also expressed confidence that China's commitment to high-quality development will add stability and certainty to global prosperity and development. 

Han Wenxiu, executive deputy director of the General Office of the Central Commission for Financial and Economic Affairs, speaks at the Symposium on Macro Policies and Economic Growth at the CDF 2025, Beijing, March 23, 2025. [Photo courtesy of China Development Forum 2025]

Such optimism about China's economic achievements and prospects was echoed by the foreign guest speakers attending the CDF.

"Over the past four decades, China has achieved one of the most remarkable development transformations," said Dilma Rousseff, president of the New Development Bank and former Brazilian president. 

Masato Kanda, president of the Asian Development Bank, also praised China's economic achievements over the past 40 years, noting the significant progress made in lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty and establishing globally competitive industries and vibrant cities .

Innovation is another key focus at this year's CDF, particularly in AI and green development sectors, both vital for tackling global economic challenges. 

According to Joseph Stiglitz, a professor at Columbia University and the 2001 Nobel laureate in economics, China's innovative achievements in solar panels, renewable energy and electric vehicles are crucial for the world's efforts to address climate change. 

"Technological innovation has long been at the core of China's national strategy," Rousseff noted. She praised the recent achievements of China's AI pioneer DeepSeek for its role in transforming both high-tech and traditional industries.

Looking ahead, opening up and international cooperation will be essential amid the uncertain international situation.

"Regardless of the evolving international landscape, China will steadfastly promote high-level opening up, and steadily expand institutional openness," Han said, calling for collaborative efforts that promote mutual benefits.

Lan Fo'an, Chinese minister of finance, said, "We are confident in China's future development and are willing to work together with countries around the world to create a better future."

Rousseff and Kanda reinforced this sentiment, emphasizing that China's experience in economic development will provide valuable insights for the Global South, the Asia-Pacific region, as well as emerging markets and developing countries.

The China Development Forum 2025, themed "Unleashing Development Momentum for Stable Growth of Global Economy," was held in Beijing from March 23 to 24.

Around 750 foreign representatives and 130 domestic attendees, including entrepreneurs, government officials, experts and representatives from international organizations, participated in the forum, which was co-hosted by the Development Research Center of the State Council and the China Development Research Foundation.

Participants attend the Symposium on Macro Policies and Economic Growth at the CDF 2025 in Beijing, March 23, 2025. [Photo courtesy of China Development Forum 2025]