China’s President Xi Connects with Global Business Leaders and Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser

In a significant move to bolster foreign investment confidence, Chinese President Xi Jinping recently addressed global business leaders in Beijing, emphasizing China’s robust economic prospects. His remarks came during a meeting with over 40 top executives at the Great Hall of the People on Friday, where he reassured investors of China’s commitment to being an optimal destination for investment.

During the meeting, President Xi articulated that “China has always been and will certainly be an ideal, safe and promising investment destination for foreign investors.” He further described the nation as a “fertile ground for foreign enterprises to invest and thrive.”

Key highlights from President Xi’s address include:

• Improved Market Access: Xi emphasized that China will enhance market accessibility for foreign businesses.
• Equal Treatment: He assured that foreign enterprises would receive equal treatment in the Chinese market.
• Enhanced Communication: The Chinese leader stressed the importance of strengthening dialogue with foreign investors.

These comments come against the backdrop of ongoing tensions stemming from the US trade war against China. Since President Donald Trump assumed office in January, the US has imposed a 20% tariff on all Chinese imports, prompting China to retaliate with tariffs on American products. Although Xi did not explicitly mention the United States or Trump’s tariffs, his remarks contained a subtle critique of such trade policies.

He warned, “Some countries are building a small yard with high fences, erecting tariff barriers, politicizing business issues, using them as tools and weapons. I hope you will share your sensible views and take actions to push back against the regressive rules and the zero-sum games.”

In a deeper reflection on the trade war, Professor Jeffrey Sachs, Director of the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University, remarked that Trump’s trade war against China is “very self-defeating” for the United States. His comments were made during the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2025, held in Hainan Province, China.

In addition to engaging with foreign business leaders, President Xi also held talks with Bangladeshi interim government Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus in Beijing on the same day. This meeting highlighted the historical ties and friendly exchanges between China and Bangladesh. Xi affirmed the importance of deepening political mutual trust and supporting one another.

Yunus expressed gratitude towards China, stating that it is a reliable partner and friend to Bangladesh. His visit was notably characterized by Bangladeshi mainstream media as the “most significant visit” by a Bangladeshi leader in the past five decades.

Additionally, Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang met with Yunus, underscoring the strong relationship between China and Bangladesh. Ding referred to both nations as “good neighbors, good friends, and good partners.”

Yunus also delivered a speech at the opening ceremony of the BFA’s Annual Conference 2025 in Boao, further solidifying the cooperative spirit between the two countries.

Notably, the context of Yunus’ visit is marked by significant political changes in Bangladesh. An interim government was established following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who stepped down and fled the country amid violent turmoil last August.

In summary, Xi Jinping’s reaffirmation of China’s commitment to being a welcoming investment hub, coupled with significant diplomatic engagements with Bangladesh, underscores China’s strategic approach to fostering international relationships and enhancing economic collaboration. This proactive stance is essential not only for mitigating trade tensions but also for attracting foreign investment in a rapidly evolving global economic landscape.