Chinese Vice President Han Zheng stepped into the spotlight at the China Development Forum 2025 in Beijing this week, hosting high-profile meetings with global business leaders to chart a path for economic collaboration and innovation. 🇨🇳
Globalization Goals & ‘Greater Bay’ Vision 🌍
During his sit-down with Swire Pacific Ltd. chairman Merlin Swire, Han doubled down on China’s commitment to ‘economic globalization’ and reforms, emphasizing how these strategies fuel ‘stability and certainty’ for the world economy. Swire, a multinational giant with deep roots in the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong SAR, was urged to leverage its influence in projects like the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Hainan Free Trade Port. Han also highlighted Hong Kong’s role as an ‘international aviation hub’ — a nod to Swire’s historical ties to Cathay Pacific. ✈️
Pharma Innovation in Focus 💊
Later, Novartis CEO Vas Narasimhan joined Han to discuss healthcare advancements, with the VP applauding the Swiss pharma leader’s investments in R&D and cross-border partnerships. The talks signaled China’s push to attract cutting-edge innovation while strengthening global supply chains. 🔬
As Beijing gears up for its next wave of economic opening, these conversations spotlight China’s balancing act: blending global ambitions with homegrown growth. 🌱
