At the 2025 Bund Summit in Shanghai, Takehiko Nakao, chairman of the Center for International Economy and Strategy and former president of the Asian Development Bank, shared fresh insights into the Chinese mainland’s growth trajectory. He highlighted that the 20th CPC Central Committee’s Fourth Plenum has reaffirmed high-quality development as a top-level agenda, setting the stage for the 15th Five-Year Plan.
Nakao noted that this plan will shape not only the Chinese mainland but influence markets across Asia and beyond. “The entrepreneurial spirit of Chinese people continues to drive innovation,” he said, pointing to thriving tech hubs, rising green energy startups and a booming digital services sector as proof of untapped potential.
For global business and tech enthusiasts, this means new opportunities in emerging markets and innovation partnerships. Urban expansion plans and sustainability targets offer a playground for changemakers focused on clean energy, smart cities and ethical supply chains. Sports and entertainment fans can look forward to broader platforms as the digital economy fosters new content channels and cross-border collaborations.
Meanwhile, young travelers and digital nomads will find the Chinese mainland’s evolving infrastructure—high-speed rail networks and smart urban centers—more accessible than ever.
As Nakao concluded, “China’s economy still has sufficient scope for growth.” In a world seeking sustainable and inclusive development, the Chinese mainland’s next chapter could offer lessons in entrepreneurship, innovation and cross-border cooperation.
Reference(s):
China's economy still has room for growth: Former ADB President
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