World · East Asia & Pacific · 16 hrs ago
Shanghai forum calls for stronger multilateral trade and open cooperation
The ninth Hongqiao International Economic Forum met in Shanghai on November 5 and 6, with discussions on openness, innovation and development.
Participants called for multilateralism and open cooperation as trade fragmentation, geopolitical tensions and policy uncertainty put pressure on global supply chains.
They said China’s large market could create more opportunities for other countries, and a new report set out ways to connect global exporters with demand in China.
Speakers also urged stronger global trade rules and a greater voice for developing countries in economic governance.
The forum discussed cooperation on artificial intelligence, hydrogen and green technology, including safety, shared standards and support for developing countries.
Participants said countries should avoid trade barriers and severed supply chains, but the forum announced no specific next steps.
The ninth Hongqiao International Economic Forum was held in Shanghai on November 5 and 6, with participants calling for multilateralism and more open economic cooperation.
The forum, themed “Stable Cooperation, Building an Open World Economy,” included 23 sub-forums and seven closed-door meetings.
Participants discussed global economic governance, trade cooperation, innovation and green development.
Three reports were released in Chinese, including the first edition of the Export to China Capacity Development Report.
Speakers said cooperation could support more inclusive growth and help address trade fragmentation and uncertainty.
- Who
- Participants at the ninth Hongqiao International Economic Forum, including officials, researchers and business representatives.
- What
- They called for multilateralism and open cooperation, and discussed global trade, economic governance and development.
- When
- November 5–6. The articles were published on November 8, 2026.
- Where
- Shanghai, China.
- Why
- Participants said cooperation could support an open world economy, reduce uncertainty and promote inclusive development.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The ninth Hongqiao International Economic Forum was held in Shanghai.
Chinese editions of three reports, including the Export to China Capacity Development Report, were released.
China News Service published its report on the forum.
- Forum dates
- November 5–6
- Location
- Shanghai, China
- Forum programme
- 23 sub-forums and 7 closed-door meetings
- Forum theme
- Stable Cooperation, Building an Open World Economy
- Reports released
- World Openness Report 2026; 2026 World Trade Report; Export to China Capacity Development Report
- China’s zero-tariff measure
- Applies to 53 African countries with diplomatic relations with China
What people are saying
The World Trade Organization looks forward to working with China and all WTO members to build a stronger, more effective and more inclusive multilateral trading system, continuing to create opportunities for global growth, development and shared prosperity.
Equal competition and open cooperation have always been the main theme of the development of the automobile industry.
The release of this report comes at the right time.
China has become an important center of technological innovation, and the speed and scale of innovation are impressive.