Summary
On the morning of 24 June 2026, Premier Li Qiang of the State Council attended and addressed the opening ceremony of the 2026 Summer Davos Forum in Dalian, Liaoning Province. Approximately 1,800 representatives from various sectors worldwide were present, including Prime Minister Tarique of Bangladesh, Prime Minister Oury Bah of Guinea, Prime Minister Bektenov of Kazakhstan, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok of South Korea, Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene of Mongolia, and Prime Minister Spajić of Montenegro. Li Qiang noted that 2026 marks the first year of China's 15th Five-Year Plan, and the Chinese economy presents a multi-dimensional picture of 'stability, innovation, vitality, and integration'.
He emphasised that innovation-driven development is the key to China's long-term economic health, stating that China's innovation is achieved through hard work, applied across various industries, and nurtured within a supportive ecosystem. Recent references by international institutions and media to 'China Opportunity 2.0' demonstrate that China's emerging technologies and products offer opportunities rather than shocks to the world. Li Qiang called for deeper innovation cooperation, building an open world economy, and maintaining stability in global industrial and supply chains.
He also announced that China would further expand market access, continue to foster a first-class business environment, and sincerely welcome enterprises from all countries to invest and operate in China.
Commentary
For small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owners in New Zealand, Premier Li Qiang's speech at Davos sends a positive signal: China will continue to expand market access and improve the business environment. This means New Zealand companies may face lower trade barriers and more favourable entry conditions, particularly in innovation and high-tech sectors. For instance, China's emphasis on 'scaled innovation' could generate demand for products in new energy, agritech, and environmental technologies.
New Zealand SMEs can leverage this window to promote deep-processing technologies for dairy and kiwifruit, or sustainable agriculture solutions. However, note that China's rising indigenous innovation capacity may intensify competition; businesses need to highlight differentiation, such as a pure brand image or organic certification. Additionally, Li Qiang's reference to 'stable global industrial and supply chains' bodes well for export-dependent firms, but geopolitical risks merit attention.
It is advisable for SMEs to closely monitor subsequent specific industry access policy adjustments in China and maintain communication with local chambers of commerce or commercial offices in China to seize cooperation opportunities.
Keywords: Li Qiang, Davos Forum, innovation, Chinese economy, 15th Five-Year Plan, open market, win-win cooperation, business environment, artificial intelligence, global governance
Source: Embassy of the People's Republic of China in New Zealand
Disclaimer: This article is compiled from publicly available sources for general information only. The analysis and commentary are editorial opinions. MiDeer Observer does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided. Readers should seek independent professional advice before relying on this content, or contact us for more information.
