Amid persistent geopolitical tensions and risks of economic fragmentation, Maroun Kairouz, managing director of the World Economic Forum (WEF), says the Chinese mainland's shift from high-speed to high-quality development is injecting much-needed momentum into the global economy.
In a recent written interview, Kairouz highlighted the strategic nature of this transition, noting its focus on innovation, productivity and long-term resilience. He pointed to the energy sector as a prime example:
- In 2024, investment in clean energy on the Chinese mainland hit $818 billion, up 20% year-on-year.
- The digital economy—driven by AI, advanced manufacturing and digital services—is boosting efficiency across industries.
These reforms not only fortify the mainland's economic resilience but also unlock global opportunities in technology, clean energy and trade for 2026 and beyond. Kairouz described the concept of "new quality productive forces," underlined by:
- Major investments in advanced manufacturing and green tech at scale.
- Nearly 40% of the WEF's "Global Lighthouse" factories are based on the Chinese mainland, leading in Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies.
With one of the world's most competitive manufacturing supply chains, developments on the mainland have global ripple effects. Kairouz emphasized that green technology and advanced manufacturing are key to tackling climate change and supply chain instability.
Facing rising trade protectionism, he urged nations to lean on multilateral mechanisms to balance healthy competition with reduced barriers. Citing World Trade Organization data, he noted that global trade continues to expand, enabling win-win outcomes in a complex environment.
On the future of work, Kairouz said the mainland's approach—integrating industrial, digital and climate strategies with skills development—offers valuable lessons for other emerging markets adapting to AI and automation.
Looking ahead to the WEF's Annual Meeting 2026 under the theme "The Spirit of Dialogue," Kairouz stressed that open dialogue is essential for building trust—the foundation of global economic growth and stability.
Reference(s):
China's high-quality growth adds stability to global economy: expert
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