FUTURECHINA GLOBAL FORUM 2014:
CHINA AT THE CROSSROADS: THE WAY FORWARD
– Over 400 global leaders on China issues gathered in Singapore to exchange views on China’s challenges and future strategies for growth
Singapore, 18 July 2014 – The fifth edition of the FutureChina Global Forum 2014 (FCGF) commenced yesterday with the Opening Plenary themed “A growing China in an evolving region: Seeking win-win partnerships”, graced by Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, Vice Chairman of Boao Forum for Asia and Former Vice Premier of China, Mr Zeng Peiyan, Senior Minister of State Lee Yi Shyan and Executive Vice Chairman, China Center for International Economic Exchanges, Mr Zhang Xiaoqiang.
ESM Goh in his keynote address iterated the importance for countries to co-operate in win-win partnerships, “Today, countries are increasingly interdependent. Set against this backdrop, instability in one country or region could have a cascading effect on the rest of the world. Greater integration across complementary areas will increase our societies’ resilience. The promise of an Asian century beckons. But there is much work to do. We need to commit ourselves to win-win partnerships. Only then can future generations enjoy a new century of peace, stability and prosperity.”
Mr Zeng in his keynote speech, mentioned that as China is currently at a critical inflexion point, the 4 “R”s, namely Remodeling, Rebalancing, Reforming and Re-engaging, may be the key to her successfully steering clear of the middle income trap. Mr Zeng believed that if the above 4 “R”s can be successfully implemented, new growth potentials will be unlocked, resulting in China’s economy achieving growth trajectory of higher value in a more balanced structure.
Organised by Business China, the two-day Forum brought together more than 60 leading international experts on China issues to provide an insider’s perspective on China’s latest developments. The theme for FCGF 2014 is “China at the Crossroads: The Way Forward”, in light of deepened economic and social reforms following the conclusion of the Third Plenum of the 18th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee in November 2013.
Business China’s Patron, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, graced the Forum Dinner Dialogue as keynote on 17 July, shedding insights on topics such as Singapore-China relations in the years ahead, as well as areas of expertise that both countries can leverage upon.
When responding to one of the questions from the floor, Prime Minister Lee remarked that the openness and drive of the Chinese people is what made China successful, He added that Singapore has a lot to learn from China. Singaporeans can emulate the Chinese in their thirst for knowledge, to try out things in order to improve, to learn what others are doing better and learn from that. Singaporeans also need to develop the drive, energy and impetus to get ahead. Individuals who learn to do better help to propel their country forward.
The first day of the Forum also saw eminent speakers share their views in 11 plenary sessions and panel discussions that covered topics in the projection of China’s economy; challenges for foreign companies operating in China; the evolving profile of the Chinese consumer; as well as closer looks on political dynamics in Beijing, and the evolving high-tech and telecommunications sector. The second day, 18th July, saw seven more sessions that discussed China’s debt issues, changes in China’s economic landscape and China’s role in maintaining the regional peace and stability that is needed for growth.
More than 400 senior business executives, entrepreneurs and top business leaders, policy makers and thought leaders attended this annual Forum, exchanging perspectives on hot-button issues framing China’s future directions.
Attached herewith for your reference:
Annex 1 – Forum Programme
Annex 2 – FutureChina Global Forum Highlights
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For further enquiries, please contact:
Ooh Yi Hui (Ms)
Senior Associate (Corporate Communications)
Business China
Tel: (65) 6213 0410
Email: yihui@businesschina.org.sg
About FutureChina Global Forum
The FutureChina Global Forum is the only Forum that goes beyond the usual discussions on China’s economic development, providing multi-faceted discussions that give participants a holistic and integrated picture of the realities of China, as it continues to exert global influence against the backdrop of its decennial leadership transition. The formats of discussion and the layout of the venue are designed to promote genuine, candid discussions as well as a high level of interaction.
For more information, visit www.futurechina.sg.
About Business China
Business China was launched in November 2007 by our Founding Patron, Singapore’s Founding Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew and Former Chinese Premier Mr Wen Jiabao. We are a platform integrating language, economic and cultural elements. Our mission is to nurture an inclusive bilingual and bicultural group of Singaporeans through extensive use of the Chinese language as the medium of communication, so as to sustain our multicultural heritage, and to develop a cultural and economic bridge linking the world and China.
For more information, visit www.businesschina.org.sg/en.