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CKGSB Hosts 10th Economic Symposium in Beijing: A Deep Dive into Global Trade Relations

On June 22, 2026, the Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB) conducted its landmark 10th Economic Symposium at its newly established campus in Beijing. The event attracted a diverse assembly of ambassadors, policymakers, business executives, and academic scholars focusing on the shifting economic landscape of China, particularly its deepening ties with the ASEAN nations and the European Union amidst geopolitical changes, restructuring supply chains, and rapid technological advancements.

The CKGSB Economic Symposium has become a signature event for the institution, serving as a platform for dialogue and analysis of the latest economic trends and challenges. This year, the symposium registered over 600 participants, who represented various sectors, including key figures from Fortune 500 companies such as Abbott, Merck, Siemens, Rolls-Royce, and Samsung. The event emphasized the importance of maintaining strong trade partnerships, showcasing that China and ASEAN have been each other's biggest trading partners, with bilateral trade exceeding USD 1 trillion in 2025. Furthermore, China continues to enjoy a substantial trading relationship with the European Union, generating trade worth over €700 billion annually.

In his opening keynote, CKGSB Dean Li Haitao emphasized the importance of exports and high technology in driving the Chinese economy. He noted that the Global South has become a significant destination for more than 45% of China’s exports, marking a critical phase in China's growth trajectory. “The Global South represents an ocean of new opportunities for Chinese enterprises, particularly for those engaged in manufacturing and technology,” Dean Li stated, highlighting a shift in China's international business strategy.

Professor Li Wei, an economist and Associate Dean at CKGSB, introduced a new report titled The New Chinese Playbook for Going Global. This document, grounded in extensive research within Southeast Asia, articulates a paradigm shift for Chinese companies. It suggests that instead of merely exporting products, businesses are now focusing on establishing local operations and partnerships abroad. Professor Li articulated, “Globalization today means more than just extending domestic practices to foreign markets; it entails fostering new, collaborative business models with local communities and cultivating innovative solutions to complex challenges.”

The half-day symposium featured a series of insightful presentations and discussions among government ministers, ambassadors, and prominent executives from companies including BASF, Merck, Shell, ATM Capital, and WOOK. The event also benefited from the support and collaboration of the European, British, Swiss, and Indonesian Chambers of Commerce in China, reflecting the international interest in fostering interconnected economic partnerships.

Ultimately, the 10th CKGSB Economic Symposium not only illuminated the current state of China's economic development but also underscored the strategic importance of collaboration with ASEAN and European partners. As the global economic landscape continues to evolve, such discussions are vital for crafting innovative solutions and ensuring sustainable growth across borders.