On the evening of March 23, the “Beijing Night” Reception of China Development Forum (CDF) 2025 was held at the Chinese National Arts and Craft Museum. Over 50 global executives from multinational corporations and heads of international organizations were invited to the event.
At the event, business leaders commended “Beijing Night” as an exceptional platform for open communication and in-depth exchanges between domestic and international entrepreneurs.
A representative from Sequoia Capital said that the event not only provided an opportunity to experience Beijing’s rich historical and cultural heritage alongside its rapidly-advancing modern economy, but also a window to learn more about the city’s supportive policies for investment, business operations, and key industries across departments and districts.
A representative from IKEA Group said that participating in the “Beijing Night” event was highly rewarding, and expressed gratitude to the organizers for this wonderful platform that facilitates dialogue among attendees of the CDF, highlighting the event’s role in helping foreign enterprises better understand Beijing and strengthening mutual exchanges.
Foreign business leaders attending the event spoke highly of Beijing’s market-oriented, law-based, and convenient business climate that is in keeping with international standards. They expressed strong confidence in China’s economic growth prospects and voiced their commitment to Beijing and to the Chinese market as a whole.
Pascal Soriot, CEO of AstraZeneca
“Beijing offers an excellent business environment. For our industry, the city boasts advanced scientific and technological capabilities, numerous research centers, cutting-edge life-science technologies, and a wealth of AI hubs and outstanding engineers - its technological sophistication is truly impressive. Moreover, both the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee and the Beijing Municipal Government have extended significant support to us, which is invaluable. For these reasons, we highly commend Beijing’s business environment!”
Oliver Zipse, Chairman of BMW Group
“In Beijing, we have our headquarters. BMW has been in China for over 30 years, and our China market has been growing steadily since the very beginning. Today, China is our largest market globally. We are deeply grateful for the support we’ve received from Beijing.”
Saravoot Yoovidhya, CEO of TCP Group
“We have been developing in China for over 30 years, with our headquarters based in Beijing. We’ve received long-term support from the Beijing Municipal Government. Looking ahead, we plan to make further investments - not only in the economic sphere, but also in promoting cultural exchanges between Thailand and China.”
Miguel López, CEO of ThyssenKrupp
“Beijing, as the capital of China, has played a vital role in the country’s economic development.”
Jean-Pascal Tricoire, Chairman of Schneider Electric
“For me, developing in Beijing holds great significance. I’ve lived in the city for five years, and what makes Beijing so appealing is the wealth of talent it brings together - from local professionals to those coming from across the country. The city is also home to many renowned universities, and it stands out for its strength in education, science, and innovation...”
(Compiled based on information provided by the International Exchange Center and Translation Center of the Beijing Foreign Affairs Office)
