Over 60 business leaders from China and Germany gathered in Beijing on February 25 for the China-Germany Economic Advisory Committee seminar, co-hosted by Premier Li Qiang and Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the Great Hall of the People. This pivotal dialogue addresses pressing global economic issues head-on.
Li Qiang set the stage by noting the surge in worldwide economic unpredictability. ‘China and Germany, as leading economies, have fueled each other’s growth and stabilized the global landscape through steadfast collaboration,’ he remarked. He decried the spread of protectionism, which undermines international commerce, insisting that bilateral ties must fortify in response.
Turning to brighter prospects, Li pointed to upward trajectories in both countries’ economies and the vast potential of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan for deeper engagement. ‘Complementary advantages persist; cooperation trumps rivalry—we can thrive together via balanced relations,’ he asserted.
Merz concurred, emphasizing the robust, high-quality evolution of economic exchanges benefiting both sides. He outlined Germany’s eagerness to collaborate in strategic areas including automotive, chemicals, equipment manufacturing, renewable energy, and digitalization. Committed to open markets, Merz vowed support for German enterprises in China, business environment improvements, and welcoming Chinese investors to foster enduring, stable partnerships.
The seminar concludes with renewed pledges for collaborative innovation, heralding a resilient framework for Sino-German economic leadership in turbulent times.