China key engine of global economic growth, senior WEF official says

China is the most important driving force for global economic growth and the prospect of China's economic development is optimistic, said Chen Liming, chair of Greater China at the World Economic Forum, in Beijing on Tuesday.

Chen made the remarks at a news conference for the upcoming Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2024, also known as the Summer Davos, in Dalian, Northeast China's Liaoning province, from June 25 to 27.

China has played an important role in global economic development, and as the world's second-largest economy, the country contributed about one-third of global economic growth last year, and the number is expected to be around 25 to 30 percent this year, Chen said.

China's huge consumption market, enhanced innovation capability and leading role in key topics inject confidence in optimistic development of the Chinese economy, according to Chen.

The World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting of New Champions returns to Dalian after five years. All the participants will definitely have a different experience. The entire human society is facing different challenges, so the topics of discussion will be different, Chen said.

Under the theme of "Next Frontiers for Growth," over 200 sessions of dialogues on six key topics are expected to be held. These six key topics are A New Global Economy, China and the World, Entrepreneurship in the Age of AI, New Frontiers for Industries, Investing in People, as well as Connecting Climate, Nature and Energy.

Known as the Northern Pearl of China or the Hong Kong of northern China, Dalian, the coastal city in Northeast China, is ready to welcome guests from all over the world, said Dalian Mayor Chen Shaowang.

Participants can experience the convenience of obtaining information, telecommunication, and mobile payment facilitated by digital advancement, as well as the green development achievements of the beautiful coastal city, said Chen.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and a crucial year for accomplishing the goals and tasks of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25).

It is of unique significance to hold this year's Summer Davos in Dalian in terms of timing, said Pan Jiang, director of the international cooperation department of the National Development and Reform Commission.

Various kinds of activities, including over 100 sub-forums, are expected to be held during the Summer Davos, attracting about 1,600 global leaders from businesses, governments, academia, and international organizations, as well as prominent innovators, according to Pan.

It is hoped that the World Economic Forum will continue to play its role as a platform for dialogue and exchange and showcase the concept and practices of Chinese modernization and high-level opening-up practices through its Annual Meeting of the New Champions, said Pan.

Since 1979, the World Economic Forum has maintained friendly and cooperative relations with China for over 40 years. Dalian will be holding the event for the eighth time since the city first hosted it in September 2007.