Beijing CDB Forum opens with emphasis on international trade

The 2025 Beijing CBD Forum Annual Conference opened on Wednesday, drawing participants from more than 40 countries as business leaders expressed cautious optimism despite significant global economic uncertainties.

Attendees included leaders of multinational companies, representatives of international organizations and business associations, and delegates from over 20 Asian cities, according to event organizers.

Rani Tarek Jarkas, chairman of Cedrus Investment (HK) Ltd., described the vitality of the Chinese market with three keywords: global vision, innovation-driven and pragmatic progress. He noted that the Chinese government's policy support and openness exceeded expectations, creating a stable and efficient business environment.

"In an uncertain international landscape, China represents the most reliable certainty," said a leader from a Fortune 500 company based in the Middle East.

In the past five years, nearly 60,000 new businesses have been established in the Beijing central business district (CBD), including about 16,000 foreign enterprises. The area now has approximately 216,000 operating entities, making up 8% of the city's total, with tax revenue reaching 125.19 billion yuan ($17.4 billion) last year.

To support these enterprises, the Beijing CBD has established an investment promotion service center that provides "one-stop" assistance from investment attraction to implementation.

"In recent years, we have continued to implement the headquarters growth program and a concierge-style service," said Zhou Ying, deputy director of the Beijing Central Business District Administration Committee.

During the opening ceremony, organizers launched an initiative to promote a clean, beautiful and sustainable world, underscoring the city's commitment to low-carbon transformation and sustainable development.