The two-day China Development Forum 2026 that began in Beijing on Sunday offers the global business community a chance to better understand China's proposed economic trajectory over the next five years as outlined in the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) and to assess what that means for the world.

The forum, often dubbed "China's Davos", is a platform for dialogue among Chinese government officials, international executives and scholars, helping businesses explore opportunities for cooperation in technology, green development and innovation-driven growth.

The theme of the forum this year — "China in its 15th Five-Year Plan Period: Advancing High-Quality Development and Creating New Opportunities Together" — underscores the importance of collaboration between Chinese and foreign businesses in navigating the complexities of the global economy.

Premier Li Qiang, in his keynote speech at the opening of the forum, emphasized China's commitment to high-quality development and stable economic growth. He assured the participants that China will persist in creating a favorable business environment and implement national treatment for foreign enterprises. This will allow global companies to continue to thrive and achieve success in China.

The global economy is undergoing a transition: while traditional growth avenues struggle, new sectors such as green technology and artificial intelligence are burgeoning. Amid this duality, China's strategic focus on openness and innovation stands out as a signal for cooperation.

When meeting with representatives of multinational corporations prior to the forum on Saturday, Vice-Premier He Lifeng stressed this as he invited the global giants to increase their investment in China. He highlighted China's steady progress in innovation-led development, which offers vast opportunities.

The latest measures of China to boost travel service exports and expand inbound consumption highlight the country's resolve to continue to invigorate growth. These policies aim to enhance the international appeal of China's tourism and service sectors, crucial components of the nation's foreign trade. By expanding visa-free policy, facilitating international payment systems and raising service standards, China aims to attract more foreign visitors and investors.

In 2025, China's economy grew by 5 percent, surpassing 140 trillion yuan ($20.4 trillion) for the first time. By setting a GDP target between 4.5 and 5 percent this year, China intends to continue that growth trajectory.

In the first two months, the industrial added value of major enterprises grew by 6.3 percent year-on-year; the total value of imports and exports of goods increased by 18.3 percent; and fixed-asset investment grew by 1.8 percent year-on-year, marking a shift to growth. All this indicates that China's economy is moving in a positive direction and progressing steadily.

China's development path is a source of global opportunities. And China's openness to foreign investment, and its initiatives such as the China International Import Expo have been welcomed as they create channels for international cooperation.

Moreover, China is committed to helping build an open world economy. Apple CEO Tim Cook, who is in Beijing to attend the forum, said China is Apple's most important production base and the primary source of its supply chain. He said that Apple is continuously deepening its innovation cooperation, green development and industry chain collaboration in China, which is highly aligned with the country's 15th Five-Year Plan.

The new five-year plan is not only a blueprint for the country's domestic development, but also an answer to how it will contribute to building a stable foundation for global economic growth and provide a platform for foreign companies to thrive.

The plan's focus on innovation, sustainability and openness highlights a path toward inclusive growth and shared prosperity.

The China Development Forum is thus a testament to China's role as an economic powerhouse, offering vast opportunities for international cooperation and growth. As the world navigates an era of uncertainty, China's vision and commitment to high-quality development provide a road map for an interconnected and prosperous future.