On the evening of March 24, the Beijing Night, Reception of China Development Forum 2024 was held at the National Centre for the Performing Arts. Over 60 global executives from multinational corporations and heads of international organizations (institutions) were invited. Evan G. Greenberg, Chairman and CEO of Chubb Group, delivered a speech on behalf of the foreign guests, expressing his willingness to play a role in the business and investment field to deepen exchanges and cooperation with Beijing and build a better future together.

As the National Centre for the Performing Arts brilliantly lit up at night, Yin Li, Secretary of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee, gave an overview of Beijing's continuous efforts in advancing high-quality development and accelerating the cultivation of new quality productive forces. He welcomed friends from all sectors to invest and start business in Beijing to share the opportunities brought by the city’s growth. The guests responded with great enthusiasm.

Full of confidence in developing in Beijing

Many guests positively evaluated Beijing's business environment and expressed confidence in developing their businesses here. In an interview, Milind Pant, CEO of Amway, told journalists, "We have full confidence in China's economy. We will continue to expand our business in Beijing and leverage our strengths to support the building of a healthy Beijing and contribute to the health and well-being of more Beijing citizens." Frank W. Mount, Vice President of Chevron Corporation, praised Beijing Night as a wonderful evening. He said, "Tonight, entrepreneurs from all over the world are gathered here... Beijing has presented us with an abundance of business opportunities while providing valuable support to enterprises and promoting economic growth. This has instilled in us immense confidence (in developing our business here)."

An interview with Milind Pan, Amway's CEO

Optimistic about the development of Beijing

Foreign entrepreneurs attending the event are also optimistic about Beijing's development, and are willing to further deepen exchanges and promote practical cooperation in various fields. Ernie Thrasher, CEO of Xcoal Energy & Resources, told journalists, "Beijing boasts a sound business environment. We have maintained close contact with the People’s Government of Beijing Municipality, looking forwayd to more cooperation in clean energy in the future." Joost Vlaanderen, Mondelez International’s President of Greater China, who first came to Beijing in 1995, noted that Beijing's has witnessed tremendous socioeconomic development in recent years. "In 1995, cycling was the norm for commuting in Beijing, while today shared bicycles can be seen everywhere on Beijing’s streets. The development of the shared economy has also promoted the green transformation of society, bringing huge business opportunities for green development." He believed that Mondelez’s years of development in Beijing is attributed to the city’s complete supply chain, as well as the support provided by the government.

An interview with Ernie Thrasher, CEO of Xcoal Energy & Resources

Willing to further strengthen exchanges and cooperation

Many scholars from world-renowned universities and research institutions were gathered at the event, expecting deeper academic exchanges with Beijing-based counterparts and joint efforts in cultivating scientific researchers. Csaba Kandracs, Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Hungary, expressed his honor to attend the Beijing Night, praising the meticulous organization and the warmth and hospitality he felt in Beijing. He looked forward to the opportunity to visit Beijing again (for further exchanges). Soumitra Dutta, Dean of Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford, stated, "There are many outstanding Chinese students studying at Oxford, and we maintain close ties with many organizations in Beijing. Hopefully, there will be more collaboration with Beijing in terms of business cooperation and academic exchanges."

An interview with Soumitra Dutta，Dean of Saïd Business School of the University of Oxford