CDF Voice｜Oliver Zipse：Share the China Development Express and Share market growth opportunities

The “CDF Voice” column aims to bring together business leaders and convey the voices of the forum delegates.

Since its launch in 2000, CDF have upheld its mandate of “Engaging with the world for common prosperity”.

At present, the economic recovery is still fragile, and the impact of the COVID-19 and geopolitical crisis is continuing. Although China’s economic recovery is improving, lackluster demand, slow recovery in labor market and global supply chain adjustments and other pressures are still present.

The world is experiencing unprecedented change, how do foreign enterprises in China view China's development? How can foreign enterprises grasp the opportunities and challenges in the Chinese market? What insights do they have about China's future economic recovery and social development?

As the 2023 annual meeting of the China Development Forum is about to be held, the "CDF Voice" column invites representatives of global enterprises to discuss the above topics.

The guest of CDF Voice today is Oliver Zipse, Chairman of BMW AG.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This year's China Development Forum is taking place in a landmark year for China. 2023 marks the first year of “China’s Journey to Modernization” under new leadership. This tremendous undertaking will not only shape China for the decades to come, but also has relevance for the entire world.

It is a special honor for me – on behalf of the BMW Group – to again accompany this year’s CDF. Few platforms bring China, international business and academia together at such a high level.

The BMW Group is committed to joining China on its “Journey to Modernization”. For us and our trusted partners in China this can be a win-win. The growth and prosperity of our operations in China also represent growth and opportunities for our operations outside of China. And in this sense, this journey is also a common journey.

Many of the modernization topics are also anchored in our corporate strategy.

First, growth is a common driver for prosperity. The modernization of China’s 1.4 billion population, particularly the expanding middle-income group, can unleash demand for innovative goods and services.

Secondly, sustainability is a conviction that we share. It is our belief that “green” and “growth” do not need to be contradictions.

And third: our engagement in China is about partnership and contributing to society. As a local player, we do not only drive economic growth but also cultural progress.

At the CDF, I look forward to discussing key areas like these, where the BMW Group is making its contribution. China’s Journey to Modernization is a journey that the BMW Group is also embarking on.

What is evident, however, is that China's modernization is taking place at a critical time. Globalization and multilateralism – which for the past decades has served as the guarantee of economic and social prosperity worldwide – are facing headwinds. Regionalism, unilateralism and protectionism appear to be on the rise.

Therefore, it is my fundamental belief that the future of modernization should be: inclusive, not exclusive; be based on cooperation and not decoupling; be driven by what connects, and not what sets us apart; innovation, sustainability and prosperity motivate us all.

This year’s China Development Forum can send a strong signal that China’s Journey to Modernization is a global opportunity: for China and Western business to participate in growth; for innovation and sustainable technology on a global scale; and finally, to build bridges and send a strong signal of cooperation.

In this spirit, I look forward to participating in the China Development Forum 2023. See you in Beijing.