Global leaders unite at Beijing summit to shape digitally driven, sustainable trade future

BEIJING: The Global Trade and Investment Promotion Summit 2025 opened on May 22 at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, bringing together global policymakers, business leaders and academics to chart a course towards a digitally connected and sustainable global economy.

Hosted by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), the summit emphasised the need for multilateral cooperation in stabilising global supply chains and promoting equitable digital development.

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng delivered the keynote address, warning against economic isolation and decoupling.

“China stands ready to work with all countries to share development opportunities and build a more inclusive world economy,” he stated.

The summit’s centrepiece was the proposal for a global supply chain collaboration platform powered by AI and digital infrastructure, aimed at enhancing resilience and transparency amid ongoing geopolitical and environmental challenges, CEN reported.

President of the New Development Bank and former Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff called for open-source technology frameworks and balanced intellectual property rights to bridge the digital divide.

Prof Kichan Kim, chair of the International Council for Small Business, emphasised the importance of enabling SMEs to participate in digital trade through supportive policies and e-commerce tools. A shared priority among delegates was integrating sustainability into digital development.

Proposals included using AI to monitor environmental impacts and support low-carbon transitions, thereby reinforcing global climate goals.

CCPIT Chairman Ren Hongbin highlighted the need for global standards on AI ethical governance, stressing the importance of keeping technology human-centric and value-driven. The summit concluded with a united pledge to resist protectionism and advance genuine multilateralism.

Leaders reaffirmed that China, playing a central role in global trade, is increasingly seen as a reliable and strategic partner in shaping a shared digital and green future.