As global openness hits a 15-year low, China is bucking the trend by doubling down on international collaboration, according to the World Openness Report 2024 released this week. The study, unveiled at Shanghai's Hongqiao International Economic Forum, shows the world's openness level has dropped 5.43% since 2008 – but China's score surged nearly 12% in the same period. 📉➡️📈
\"Think of it like a global group project gone sideways,\" said Nobel laureate Christopher Pissarides, pointing to rising trade barriers and sanctions. Over 4,700 protectionist measures emerged since 2020 – more than during the entire 2008-2019 period. 🚧🌍
While others retreat, China keeps its doors wide open: its openness index climbed to 0.7596 in 2023, with events like the China International Import Expo becoming 'shining symbols' of global engagement. 🇨🇳🤝
Three bright spots emerged despite the gloom:
🌐 Digital innovation hubs
🌱 Green tech partnerships
💼 Service industry breakthroughs
\"This isn't just about economics,\" stressed researcher Qu Weixi. \"It's about building bridges in our TikTok-and-AI-driven world.\" 💡✨
