On the evening of March 24, 2024, the Beijing Night, Reception of China Development Forum 2024 was held, bringing together over 60 global executives from multinational corporations and heads of international organizations and institutions. Yin Li, Secretary of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee, delivered a speech. Lu Hao, President of the Development Research Center of the State Council, and Yin Yong, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee and Mayor of Beijing, were present.
Yin Li extended a warm welcome to new and old friends, expressing gratitude for their longstanding care and support for Beijing's development. He said that Beijing, as the national capital, is committed to advancing high-quality development, advancing the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei coordinated development, and accelerating the cultivation of new quality productive forces. He highlighted Beijing's flourishing momentum across various sectors, citing its rich scientific and educational resources, well-established industrial foundation, and vibrant innovation landscape. The city has fostered two industrial clusters in new-generation information technology and sci-tech services, each with an annual output value of over one trillion yuan, as well as several industrial clusters in fields such as new energy vehicles and bio-medicine, each with an annual output value of over 100 billion yuan. Meanwhile, the development of future industries such as quantum information and artificial intelligence is gathering pace, so as to build Beijing into an international innovation center and a global pacesetter of digital economy. Moreover, Beijing boasts vibrant international exchanges, a favorable business environment, and a welcoming, inclusive and open atmosphere. Its top-notch international aviation facilities and policy support in the building of the Integrated National Demonstration Zone for Opening up the Services Sector and the China (Beijing) Pilot Free Trade Zone contribute to creating a market-oriented, law-based, convenient, and international business environment.
Yin Li underscored Beijing's long history and rich cultural heritage, and its role as a hub for exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations. It is a city where one may fine a unique blend of tradition and modernity, and active interactions between Chinese civilization and foreign ones. Beijing has promoted cultural prosperity and people-to-people exchanges to bring people’s hearts closer. Beijing, known for its excellent urban quality, hospitable residents, and agreeable environment for living, working, and leisure, remains committed to green, low-carbon development. It keeps improving its ecological environment and expands green spaces for bluer skies, greener surroundings and clearer waters. Yin Li also highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance public services in employment, housing, education, and healthcare, and strengthen law-based governance to maintain social stability, so as to create a secure and harmonious working and living environment. Beijing welcomes friends from all walks of life to invest, start businesses, work, and live here, and is willing to share development opportunities with everyone to achieve mutual benefits and win-win outcomes.
On behalf of foreign guests, Evan G. Greenberg, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Chubb Group, said that Beijing possesses a long history, rich cultural heritage, modern infrastructure, and a thriving economy. He praised the pervasive creativity and collaboration in the city that blends tradition and innovation. Business and investment communities are eager to play an active role in deepening cooperation and exchanges with Beijing and working together to create a brighter future of shared development.
During the event, both Chinese and foreign guests experienced intangible cultural heritages such as assembling palace lanterns, painting Peking Opera facial masks, woodblock printing, and cloisonné, as well as enjoyed a captivating performance.
Leaders from the Development Research Center of the State Council and Beijing Municipal Government, officials from relevant departments and districts of Beijing, and heads of some Chinese enterprises were also present.