ECONOMY

Key Takeaways From This Year’s China Development Forum

Published: Mar. 23, 2026 7:12 p.m. GMT+8

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Li Qiang. Photo: Caixin

With geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties rising across the world, global leaders and high-ranking Chinese officials gathered in Beijing for the China Development Forum 2026.

As the U.S. and other major economies increasingly embrace protectionism, part of the theme for this year’s forum was cooperating to create opportunities. In his keynote speech that opened the two-day event, which wrapped up Monday, Premier Li Qiang championed expanding global markets over competing for a bigger share of an existing pie.

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The China Development Forum 2026 in Beijing focused on global cooperation amid rising protectionism and geopolitical tensions.
Chinese leaders emphasized pivoting to a consumption-driven economic model, aiming to boost domestic demand and shift from necessities to services and experiences.
Experts highlighted the significance of China’s continued globalization, the need to rebalance financial systems, and the reallocation of high household savings to support long-term growth.

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Who’s Who

BNP Paribas SA: Jean Lemierre, Chairman of BNP Paribas SA, attended the China Development Forum 2026. He suggested that China's high household savings should be reallocated into long-term financial instruments like pensions, life insurance, and asset management products. This, he argued, would improve returns, reduce concentration risks, and ultimately support consumption.

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