2024 land-sea economic forum draws guests from over 20 countries to discuss intl expansion of enterprises

On May 18, the 2024 Land-Sea Economic Forum, titled "China, an Opportunity: New Era of Brand Globalization", was held at the Chongqing Yuelai International Convention Center, Liangjiang New Area.

The forum hosted over 200 guests from over 20 countries, including Singapore, the United States, Argentina, Germany, Serbia, Pakistan, and Nepal. The guests explored global industry shifts, providing companies with fresh insights and strategies for international expansion.

A speech by H.E. Marcelo Gabriel Suárez Salvia, Ambassador of Argentina to China. [Photo/Zhao Guogan]

Asia: the epicenter of economic growth and financing opportunities

Dr. Parag Khanna, a renowned global strategy advisor, founder and CEO of AlphaGeo, and an expert on geopolitics, globalization, and diplomatic issues, emphasized that Chongqing's strategic location at the heart of China, bridging north to south and east to west, makes it the ideal launchpad for initiatives like the China Europe Railway and the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor. 

He praised Chinese industry and Chongqing's leadership for establishing strong land-sea connections that bridge diverse regions. These initiatives are key to bolstering global trade routes, driving economic growth, and enhancing connectivity.

Dr. Khanna noted that China is the world's largest economy, while other Asian economies such as India, Turkey, Indonesia, and the Philippines are experiencing rapid growth. With its low interest rates, Asia is the epicenter of economic expansion, offering many opportunities for borrowing and financing.

With ASEAN and Southeast Asia now among China's largest trading partners, he described the region as young, vibrant, fast-growing, urbanizing, digitizing, and full of opportunities for Chinese enterprises looking to expand abroad.

Cao Hu, Global Partner and China and Singapore CEO of Kotler Marketing Group, emphasized the need for Chinese companies to stay rooted in China to achieve global excellence. Cao highlighted that China's talent, culture, manufacturing, and engineering advantages are indispensable for their success, as they ensure sustainable growth.

Chinese companies expanding into emerging markets worldwide

The forum also unveiled the "Research Report on Chinese Enterprises' Overseas Development (2024)." The report offers macroeconomic analysis and insights into overseas experiences and case studies across 20 industries, aiming to better inform Chinese enterprises expanding abroad. 

Qian Wei, Chief Analyst of Overseas Economy and Asset Classes at China Securities, noted that transitioning from exports to international expansion enhances global operations, brand building, and cultural export capabilities. This shift requires a long-term commitment to overseas market development, brand value, and cultural dissemination.

He observed that Chinese companies are expanding internationally through investments, supplier collaborations, and mergers and acquisitions into emerging markets in Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and America.

During the forum's dialogue session, representatives from The Wall Street Journal, Alibaba, Amazon China, and executives from companies like Changan Automobile shared innovative experiences in cross-border financing and supply chain logistics. They also discussed leveraging AI and intelligent cross-border platforms for brand globalization.

The forum also featured the "Made in Chongqing" Industry-Going Global Resource Matching Session and the "Where Land Meets Sea" Businesses Banquet, which provided comprehensive networking and service platforms for enterprises aiming to expand abroad.

The 2024 Land-Sea Economic Forum is co-hosted by the Western China International Communication Organization (WCICO), CITIC Press Group, and the China Daily China Watch Think Tank.