On December 6, Minister of Commerce Wang Wentao met with Secretary General of UNCTAD Rebeca Grynspan in Beijing. The two sides had an in-depth view on jointly implementing President Xi Jinping’s announcement of major steps to support UNCTAD and Global South development and on deepening China-UNCTAD all-round cooperation. China International Trade Representative and Vice Minister Wang Shouwen was present at the meeting.

Wang Wentao pointed out that China supports multilateralism and is always a staunch supporter of and active contributor to the causes of the UN. In June 2024, President Xi Jinping delivered a video address at the opening ceremony of the 60th anniversary celebrations of UNCTAD, announcing major initiatives China will launch to support UNCTAD and development of the Global South. China stands ready to work with UNCTAD to enhance practical cooperation, jointly implement President Xi Jinping’s important address, and help developing countries expeditiously achieve the UN sustainable development goals.

Wang Wentao said that the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China offered systematic planning for further deepening reform comprehensively. The Ministry of Commerce always values growing its relationship with UNCTAD, and cooperation is facing new historic opportunities. It is hoped that UNCTAD will step up practical cooperation with China in trade in services, trade digitalization, green minerals and open, inclusive supply chains, international investment and implementation of the Initiative on International Trade and Economic Cooperation Framework for Digital Economy and Green Development, and conduct joint policy studies, to enhance trade and investment facilitation.

Rebeca Grynspan commends President Xi Jinping’s announcement of major steps at UNCTAD’s 60th anniversary celebrations and crucial support for UNCTAD. UNCTAD stands ready to work with China to practice multilateralism, advance trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, and share China’s successful development experience with the Global South via UNCTAD’s platform.