Dozens of Global CEOs to Attend China Development Forum Amid Economic Pressures

The annual China Development Forum is set to take place in Beijing on March 23-24, attracting a diverse group of over 80 global CEOs, including representatives from major corporations such as FedEx, Siemens, BMW, and Qualcomm. This year's forum, occurring amid heightened geopolitical tensions and U.S. tariff pressures, aims to bolster foreign investment as China's economic growth slows. Notably, there will be fewer U.S. executives attending compared to previous years, with the absence of Apple CEO Tim Cook and other firms currently under scrutiny by Chinese regulators. In contrast, attendance from European CEOs has seen an uptick, reflecting a cautious optimism towards engaging with China. Discussions at the forum are expected to focus on enhancing consumer demand and the medical sector, as China seeks to navigate its complex economic landscape. President Xi Jinping is scheduled to meet with select CEOs following the forum to further discuss investment opportunities and reassure foreign business leaders.