The Summer Davos offers an opportunity to seek cooperative solutions for identifying future growth engines and sustainable development strategies, said Lee Hee-sup, secretary-general of the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat.

by Xinhua writers Sui Lixi, Zhou Siyu

TIANJIN, China, June 26 (Xinhua) -- China's commitment to opening-up and innovation not only boosts its own economic growth, but also plays a crucial role in global economic recovery, said Lee Hee-sup, secretary-general of the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS).

On the importance of the forum, Lee said that the Summer Davos serves as a platform for extensive discussions on Asia and global economic issues and outlooks.

"It is a reservoir of wisdom for stable and sustainable economic development in both Asia and the world," he told an interview with Xinhua during the 2025 Summer Davos Forum, which runs from June 24 to 26 in the Chinese coastal city of Tianjin.

Lee depicted the forum's role as especially critical this year amid growing uncertainties in the global economic and trade environment.

It offers an opportunity to seek cooperative solutions for identifying future growth engines and sustainable development strategies, he said.

Recalling his experiences in China, Lee commended China's technological advancements. "I have visited many places in China on business trips. And I've got chance to experience very advanced and cutting-edge technologies, whether in digital technology or artificial intelligence."

China, he said, focuses on advancing high-quality productivity through scientific and technological innovation in areas such as digital technologies, artificial intelligence and green industries.

"This approach not only supports global economic recovery, but also contributes to sustainable global growth by playing a leading role in creating future growth engines," Lee said.

Regarding the challenges posed by rising protectionism, Lee said, "the spread of protectionism such as high tariffs has posed a serious challenge to the sustainable growth and regional cooperation of East Asia."

He stressed that China's policies of innovation and openness provide a counterbalance to these trends, enhancing the resilience of multilateral trade systems.

Looking forward, Lee expressed optimism about the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summits.

"The consecutive APEC summits scheduled to be held in South Korea this year and in China next year will serve as valuable opportunities to strengthen the resilience of free trade and multilateral systems in the Asia-Pacific, and to promote sustainable and inclusive regional growth through economic cooperation and solidarity," he said.  ■