China's opening-up drive offers tremendous opportunities amid global trade headwinds

China's continued push to open its economy is playing a vital role in sustaining growth and helping cushion the impact of rising global trade uncertainties, said a senior official of the Asian Development Bank.

"At a time when there are more and more restrictions and headwinds in global trade, by opening up, China is setting a very positive example for a rules-based economic system," said Asif S. Cheema, ADB's country director for China.

According to the outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–30) for national economic and social development, China will expand high-standard opening-up of its service sector — a move Cheema said holds "tremendous opportunities", particularly in areas such as telecommunications, healthcare and trade. This creates opportunities for both domestic and foreign companies to play a larger role, he said.

Measures such as narrowing the negative list for foreign investment and advancing the development of the Hainan Free Trade Port are expected to further lower regulatory barriers and create a more attractive environment for overseas investors, he added.

Dilinazi Dilimulati contributed to this story.