Let trade become an inclusive engine that promotes global development and prosperity.

Let trade become an inclusive engine that promotes global development and prosperity (International Forum)

We hope that all parties will take this CIIE as an opportunity to further deepen exchanges and cooperation, transform market opportunities into stronger production capacity, more jobs, and more reliable livelihood security, so that trade can truly become an inclusive engine that promotes global development, progress, and common prosperity.

Currently, global economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and climate change challenges are becoming increasingly severe. The more uncertainty we face, the more we need to strengthen dialogue and deepen cooperation.

Development is the foundation for stability and prosperity. It is related to whether workers can obtain a decent life, whether women and girls can enjoy equal opportunities for development, whether society can effectively withstand shock risks, and whether countries can seize the initiative in their own development. Trade is an important driver of these goals. The United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development clearly states that international trade is a driving force for inclusive economic growth and poverty reduction, and helps promote sustainable development. Opening up channels for international market access for more developing countries is the starting point for unleashing the effectiveness of trade development.

China's world-renowned development process is an example of trade-empowered development. By granting zero-tariff treatment to 100% of the products of the least developed countries that have diplomatic relations with China, and fully implementing zero-tariff measures for African countries that have diplomatic relations with China, China has brought huge opportunities to developing economies. However, market access is only the first step. Transforming open opportunities into lasting development benefits also depends on whether countries can improve production capabilities, expand local industries, increase the added value of products, and at the same time cultivate young talents and expand employment in the development process.

To truly transform market opportunities into development results, economic transformation is the key. China's experience shows that economic transformation can promote growth and prosperity, drive infrastructure construction and skills training, promote technology transfer, broaden financing channels, and promote institutional construction. Together, these factors support enterprise growth, promote economic diversification, and enhance the ability to withstand external shocks.

This is also the significance of the CIIE: it not only opens up the Chinese market, but also helps countries improve their development capabilities by promoting business ties and expanding cooperative partnerships.

To measure the effectiveness of trade, we should not only look at the growth of scale, but also whether it can create high-quality jobs and improve people's livelihood and well-being. Investment and industrial development driven by trade should help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote the green transformation of the economy and society. This is not only an urgent need to deal with ecological and environmental challenges, but also contains potential for economic growth. At the same time, the opportunities created by trade should benefit more women and girls, help narrow the gender gap, and provide support for the poor to improve their livelihoods and escape extreme poverty.

Achieving these goals requires sound policy and institutional support. The United Nations Development Program is committed to building a bridge between trade opportunities and development results. By working with governments, we support them to improve policy frameworks, create a business environment conducive to domestic investment and attract foreign direct investment, and provide support for job creation in the coming decades.

We hope that all parties will take this CIIE as an opportunity to further deepen exchanges and cooperation, transform market opportunities into stronger production capacity, more jobs, and more reliable livelihood security, so that trade can truly become an inclusive engine that promotes global development, progress, and common prosperity.

Author: Alexander Decro

(The author is the Administrator of the United Nations Development Program)