Chinese premier reaffirms commitment to opening up at import expo

SHANGHAI -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Wednesday reaffirmed that the country will continue to seek high-quality growth and unswervingly promote high-standard opening up, making new contributions to the world economy.

Li made the remarks during his keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE) and the Hongqiao International Economic Forum in Shanghai.

China will steadily expand institutional opening up, and advance comprehensive pilot programs to accelerate the services industry's opening up, Li said, adding that a more modernized China will surely bring more stability and positive energy to the world.

This year's CIIE saw a record high number of participating enterprises, fully demonstrating the vitality of China's super-large market, Li said.

Noting that some unilateral and protectionist acts have severely impacted the international economic and trade order, and disrupted the world economy, Li called for upholding equality and mutual benefit, consolidating the foundation of legitimate common interests and safeguarding international fairness and justice.

Li also called for advancing international governance reform and optimizing the international economic and trade rules.

China is willing to work with all parties to promote the implementation of the Global Governance Initiative in the field of global economy and trade, and improve the multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core, Li said.

The document of recommendations for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan, adopted at the recent fourth plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China Central Committee, has injected greater certainty into China's economic and social development for the period ahead, Li said.

The opening ceremony was attended by about 1,500 participants, including representatives from governments, the business community, and academic circles from 155 countries and regions, and international organizations.

In their speeches at the ceremony, foreign leaders and heads of international organizations hailed the important role of the CIIE in promoting opening up and cooperation, and boosting global economic growth.

They voiced their willingness to deepen cooperation with China in trade, connectivity, innovation, green development and other fields, in a bid to safeguard free and fair trade, and jointly promote development and prosperity.