A group of top global executives, including Qualcomm’s Cristiano Amon and Saudi Aramco’s Amin Nasser, are set to visit Beijing for a crucial meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping later this month. The meeting is expected to take place on March 28, coinciding with the China Development Forum (CDF), a key annual gathering of political and business leaders scheduled for March 23-24.
According to sources cited by Bloomberg, other prominent attendees include Blackstone’s Steve Schwarzman, Pfizer’s Albert Bourla, and FedEx’s Rajesh Subramaniam. These business leaders have participated in previous editions of the forum and are anticipated to engage in discussions about China’s economic trajectory.
Key Business Summits to Draw Global Executives
In addition to the CDF, some CEOs will also attend the Boao Forum for Asia in Hainan from March 25-28. The HSBC Global Investment Summit, which runs from March 25-27 in Hong Kong, is also on the itinerary for several business leaders. These high-profile events are seen as efforts by China to reaffirm its commitment to global business partnerships amid growing investor concerns.
China Seeks to Reassure Foreign Investors
The visit comes as Beijing works to restore confidence among foreign investors against a backdrop of economic challenges and a shifting business climate. Over the past few months, President Xi has stepped up engagement with private enterprises, following a period of regulatory crackdowns that had unsettled businesses and slowed economic growth.
His previous meeting with American business leaders, which lasted more than 90 minutes, was viewed as a strong signal that China remains open to foreign investments. The upcoming discussions are expected to reinforce this stance, with Chinese officials aiming to highlight new opportunities in the world’s second-largest economy.
US-China Trade Tensions Remain a Key Concern
The high-level meetings also take place amid lingering trade tensions between China and the United States. Republican Senator Steve Daines, a member of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is set to visit Beijing to meet senior Chinese officials and representatives of US businesses operating in China.
Recent trade disputes have seen Beijing impose retaliatory tariffs on various American goods, including beef, poultry, and grains. Diplomatic talks remain at an impasse, with both sides blaming each other for stalled negotiations. Chinese officials argue that the US has not clearly articulated its expectations regarding fentanyl regulation, while former President Donald Trump’s team insists that clear messages have been conveyed through diplomatic channels.
China’s Strategic Approach to Economic Revival
Despite the challenges, China continues to push forward with its economic recovery plans. Beijing has introduced measures to stimulate domestic consumption, enhance supply chain resilience, and attract foreign investments. The presence of high-profile business leaders at these events signals an ongoing dialogue between China and global corporations, which could shape the future of international trade and investment policies.
With the world closely watching, these upcoming meetings will be critical in determining how China navigates economic headwinds while fostering stronger international business relations.
