China is turning up the heat on free trade and global cooperation as it drafts its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030). The blueprint, anchored in a communique from the fourth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, makes one message crystal clear: stay open, stay connected, stay winning 🌐✨.
Key highlights:
- High-standard opening up: China aims to level up institutional frameworks and boost international economic flows.
- Record-setting trade: During the 14th Five-Year Plan, the Chinese mainland claimed the top spot in goods trade and secured the world’s second-largest share in services trade (over $1 trillion!).
- FDI success: Foreign direct investment exceeded the $700 billion target, hitting $708.7 billion by mid-2025, fueling innovation and jobs 💼.
- Free Trade Zones on the rise: 22 zones are piloting new high-standard international rules, with manufacturing opening up entirely.
- Stronger Belt and Road ties: Trade with Belt and Road partners now accounts for more than half of China’s total, making it a reliable ally for 150+ countries and regions.
Looking ahead, the plan focuses on four core areas:
- Broadening economic openness
- Innovating trade development
- Expanding two-way investment
- Delivering high-quality Belt and Road cooperation
China is tapping its massive market to create win-win opportunities and inviting global businesses to "come, stay, and thrive" 🚀. In a world flirting with isolationism, this fresh push for multilateral trade offers a steady anchor and a dose of optimism for a more connected future.
Reference(s):
Defending free trade: China commits to open economy in 15th FYP
cgtn.com
