World Economic Forum: Li Qiang boasts of China-tech breakthroughs if wary foreign firms can be swayed
- Premier calls for strengthening innovation in science and tech, building a modernised industrial system and boosting domestic demand
- But foreign business representatives tell Li Qiang that they are still waiting for further reassurances from Beijing, over long-held concerns
Premier Li Qiang has called for multinational corporations to step up their game in investing in China’s tech and scientific innovation sectors, as foreign businesses continue to seek assurances from Beijing over a raft of concerns.
“We are willing to work with all parties in the push to develop cutting-edge technology, create new areas for cooperation, and open up new space for business investment,” Li told business representatives from more than 20 countries and regions, in a meeting on Tuesday afternoon when the forum kicked off, according to an official Chinese readout.
Li said China could promise “great opportunities for cooperation” as it is set to achieve “breakthroughs in the new round of science and tech industrial revolution” by strengthening innovation in science and tech, building a modernised industrial system and boosting domestic demand.
The Chinese statement also said Li responded to business representatives’ questions regarding corporate cooperation, data management and climate change.