Business leader, BFA official highlight China’s innovation in globalization strategy

British business leader Jack Perry and Boao Forum for Asia official Zafar Uddin Mahmood said China’s push to globalize its high-tech sectors, from AI to quantum, is becoming central to its opening-up strategy, which they believe could reshape global markets and help make innovation more affordable worldwide.

Perry, Chairman of the 48 Group Club in Britain, shared insights during an interview with China Media Group (CMG) ahead of his first attendance at the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2026, set for March 24 to 27 in Boao, south China's Hainan Province.

He said discussions with Chinese AI firms highlight how innovation is reshaping the country’s industrial base and positioning its companies for global reach.

"These great companies have brilliance and that innovation has to globalize. And so we're helping Chinese companies globalize," said Perry.

Perry said China’s pivot from low-end manufacturing to innovation has positioned emerging industries as the new driver of its opening‑up, creating new opportunities for global business.

"China is not focusing on making t-shirts and pens anymore and we talk about those areas of energy, quantum, AI and robotics. If you listen and you look into what those things mean, you'll be able to make business with China. Globalization of Chinese brands and Chinese companies is a focus for China, high level of opening up," said Perry.

Zafar Uddin Mahmood, policy advisor to the BFA Secretary General, said China’s technological advances have made high-tech products more affordable worldwide.

"Because now in the new era, the dependence on AI will increase by every passing day. Because of China's scale, the cost comes down and it becomes affordable for everybody. Its new technology, new products and it is meeting the demands of every country according to their economic capability," he said.

This year's BFA, themed "Shaping a Shared Future: New Dynamics, New Opportunities, New Cooperation," features four core topics and more than 50 sub-forums, roundtables and dialogue sessions. The event carries added significance as 2026 marks the start of China’s 15th Five‑Year Plan, which will guide national development through 2030.

Founded in 2001, the BFA has grown into a key platform for addressing Asian issues and strengthening cooperation both within the region and globally.

Business leader, BFA official highlight China’s innovation in globalization strategy

At the invitation of Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh, Chinese President Xi Jinping's special envoy Losang Jamcan on Saturday attended Guelleh's inauguration in Djibouti City, the capital of Djibouti.

Guelleh met with Losang Jamcan, also vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, at the People's Palace on the same day. 　　 Losang Jamcan conveyed Xi's warm congratulations and best wishes to Guelleh, noting that under the strategic guidance of both leaders, the China-Djibouti comprehensive strategic partnership has continued to deepen in recent years.

China is willing to work with Djibouti to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state, carry forward traditional friendship, expand practical cooperation, and promote the further development of China-Djibouti relations, Losang Jamcan said.

For his part, Guelleh asked Losang Jamcan to convey his sincere greetings to Xi, and thanked Xi for sending a special envoy to his inauguration ceremony.

China has always been a trustworthy partner of Djibouti, Guelleh said, adding that Djibouti is willing to further strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China, enhance friendly exchanges in various fields, maintain close coordination in international affairs, and promote the bilateral relations to a new level.

Xi's special envoy attends Djiboutian president's inauguration