2024 World Openness Report to be unveiled at CIIE's Hongqiao Int'l Economic Forum

The upcoming Hongqiao International Economic Forum, part of the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE), is set to release the 2024 World Openness Report highlighting global openness trends and key developments in international cooperation.

Scheduled for November 5 to 10 in Shanghai, the CIIE this year will see participants from 152 countries, regions, and international organizations, with the theme of "New Era, Shared Future".

Among various sub-forums and colorful events, the Hongqiao International Economic Forum will serve as a pivotal platform for discussing global economic collaboration, with the release of the 2024 World Openness Report being one of the key highlights.

According to officials from the China International Import Expo Bureau, this year's report will present the World Openness Index for 2023, providing crucial insights into global openness trends.

In addition to the new data, the report will revise the 2022 estimates based on the latest information from international organizations. This revision aims to enhance the accuracy and scientific rigor of the measurements, ensuring that stakeholders have access to reliable data for informed decision-making.

As nations navigate the complexities of an interconnected world, the report will also address pressing issues in the realm of global openness, such as the rise of the Global South, changes in the global governance system, and the inclusivity of the multilateral trade framework.

According to the CIIE Bureau, the expo will focus on new-quality productive forces and the co-construction of the Belt and Road Initiative, emphasizing their significant roles in global open cooperation. The bureau also indicated that it would offer in-depth analyses of China's successful experiences in advancing deep-level reforms and high-quality development through high-level openness.

This year's Hongqiao forum will revolve around the theme "High-Standard Opening up for Universally Beneficial and Inclusive Economic Globalization", with nearly half of the speakers hailing from abroad. A main forum along with 19 sub-forums will be held focusing on emerging topics such as new energy storage and artificial intelligence.

2024 World Openness Report to be unveiled at CIIE's Hongqiao Int'l Economic Forum

Thousands of people took to the streets in dozens of protests across Greece on Saturday to voice their opposition to U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran.

The demonstrations were organized by a range of groups, including left-wing political parties, student associations, labor unions, migrant community organizations and non-governmental organizations, as the conflict has entered its second month.

In Athens, the main rally began outside the parliament building and marched to the U.S. Embassy. Protesters called for an immediate end to the conflict, urging Greece to stay out of the war and prioritize public spending on health and education over defense.

Holding up banners reading "No interference in Iran's affairs", "No war, return peace to the people" and "No deployment of Greek troops to the Middle East", and the flags of Iran, Lebanon and Palestine, protesters chanted slogans against the war to protest against the military actions of the United States and Israel against Iran, as well as Israel's moves towards Palestine and Lebanon.

"We're here to protest against the war, to protest against what the U.S. and Israel are doing in the whole west Asian area. Of course, it (the military operation) is against international law," said Torres, a protester.

The month-long U.S.-Israeli war with Iran has resulted in heavy casualties on all sides. Iranian deaths are estimated at over 1,900, with over 24,800 injured, while at least 19 Israeli and 13 U.S. military fatalities have been reported.

As the war drags on, it is sending shockwaves across the geopolitical and economic landscape, driving up oil prices, rattling international markets, and weighing on the global economy.

Thousands protest across Greece against war in Iran