DALIAN: Chinese Premier Li Qiang has offered his insights on how to jointly explore new pathways for international economic growth, with the world currently threatened by challenges posed by trade unilateralism and protectionism.
The exploration of the next frontiers for growth should not be a zero-sum game but should be focused on common growth for all, Li said while addressing the opening plenary of the 15th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, in the Chinese city of Dalian.
“The ‘small yard and high fence’ policy cannot stifle the development of opponents, but only shackle the hands and feet of those who favor such a policy,” the premier added.
Li asked countries to create a fair, even, and non-discriminatory environment for technological and scientific innovation, developed on the basis of intellectual property rights protection.
Responding to questions from Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum Klaus Schwab, Li said that in reality, many innovative ideas find productive ground for validation in China.
He added that over the past few years, China has strongly supported basic development and research, placed great emphasis on the development of national strategic technological and scientific strength, and vigorously promoted corporate innovation, all focused on boosting capacity for original innovation.
China is now home to more than 400,000 high-tech enterprises, as well as over 100,000 sophisticated and specialized, small and medium-sized enterprises, which produce unique and new products.
Li also stated that it is vital to fully leverage the power of the market to play a decisive role in resource allocation.
In his speech, the premier noted that China is committed to addressing climate change and has been developing green industries proactively such as new energy.
The rapid increase of China’s new industries has been in line with the international trend of green development and technological revolution.
Lithium batteries, Electric vehicles, and photovoltaic products produced by Chinese companies have not only met local demand but also enriched international market supply.
This has alleviated global pressures and made a positive contribution to international efforts to address climate change.
According to Li countries and regions should fulfil their responsibilities for emission reduction and not delay the pace of green transition for the sake of short-term economic growth.
He added the green transition holds immense potential for development. “We should jointly promote the development of green and low-carbon industries and create more growth drivers for the green economy,” he said.
Li called on all states and regions to work closely together, maintain the unimpeded flow of industrial and supply chains, oppose bloc confrontation and decoupling and promote trade and investment liberalization and facilitation.
Li in his speech said all countries and regions should also coordinate on governance, development and optimize related laws and governance frameworks to achieve more inclusive development.
