Qiang made these remarks during a meeting with World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala at the 17th BRICS Summit.
Premier Qiang noted that global trade is undergoing significant changes due to rising unilateralism and protectionism, negatively impacting the international economic order and countries’ development. In this context, calls within the international community to preserve the multilateral trading system have strengthened, and expectations for a more active role from the WTO have increased.
Li Qiang: “China Will Always Support Multilateralism and Free Trade”
Emphasizing that economic globalization is a historical trend, Li Qiang stated that China will continue to uphold multilateralism and free trade. He affirmed China’s active support for the WTO’s reform process and development to restore its authority. Efforts will accelerate to improve trade rules and achieve more concrete outcomes at the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference.
Premier stated that China has sufficient resources and tools to withstand external shocks and is confident in maintaining stable and healthy economic growth. He added that China is implementing more proactive and effective macro policies, advancing strategies to boost domestic demand, and launching new initiatives to encourage consumption. The growing demand from China’s vast domestic market of over 1.4 billion people supports the strength of its economy.
Qiang also mentioned that China will take further measures for voluntary and unilateral opening, adhere to WTO principles and market rules, and continue cooperating to provide positive energy to the world and share development opportunities with other countries.
WTO: Dialogue and Cooperation Must Increase
WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala stated that the current multilateral trading system is under serious pressure and that global economic and trade growth face multiple challenges. She called on WTO members to strengthen dialogue and cooperation, protect the multilateral trading system, and promote sustainable development.
Highlighting the importance of China’s long-term support especially to less developed countries, the WTO chief expressed great appreciation for China’s role in the multilateral trading system. Okonjo-Iweala also noted the WTO will continue working with China and other members to support WTO reform, create an open and inclusive trade environment, and foster favorable conditions for global trade and economic recovery.
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