Nobel laureate economist Christopher Pissarides says China's opening-up model remains as engine for global growth, while stressing that workers in the aritificial intelligence (AI) era will need a broader set of skills to stay competitive.
His remarks came as the World Openness Report 2026 was released at the 9th Hongqiao International Economic Forum, held as part of the 9th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai from November 5 to 10.
The report warns that global openness is under growing strain amid rising trade protectionism, spreading geopolitical conflicts and profound restructuring of global industrial chains.
Against that backdrop, Pissarides pointed to China's opening-up as a model -- one that has delivered rapid growth and historic poverty reduction, and one he hopes other countries will follow.
"Countries trade a lot more easily and they resolve disputes much quicker about trade when they're on a friendlier relationship with each other. It (China's opening-up) certainly contributed a lot to the standard of living in China for a start, which is rising very fast. And it's the biggest reduction in poverty that we've ever experienced in the modern world. Let's hope other countries copy it and open up because the more multilateral trade we have, the better off we can all be," Pissarides said.
Pissarides, who specializes in labour market economics, also weighed in on the future of work and skills in the AI era, stressing that breadth matters more than narrow specialization for workers aiming to stay competitive.
"Skill needs are changing so rapidly. What I say actually is that the most important skill you have is to learn the basics of many different things, mathematics, sciences, language, management, how economies work, (and) history. Have a broad education so that once you learn that, then you learn how to learn new things in the future at work. Give more breadth now than depth. And be prepared to learn, to deepen your knowledge later on the job," he said.
Nobel laureate praises China's opening-up as model for growth
Canada-headquartered athletic apparel brand Lululemon is embracing the vast Chinese market through a deepened presence at the ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE), which opened in Shanghai on Thursday.
This year's expo has drawn 4,144 overseas exhibitors from 152 countries and regions. As the guest country of honor, Canada brought a delegation of about 120 companies.
This year also marks Lululemon's third consecutive participation at the CIIE. Andre Maestrini, president and chief commercial officer of Lululemon, brought a global debut product to the booth -- a runner's vest that seamlessly integrates insulation with ventilation.
"You see the fabrics here, the perforation, the double layering and different inclusions of technical materials to be able for air to flow, but still protecting and keep you warm in extreme conditions," said Maestrini.
He also noted that while the product is designed domestically, its inspirations and effectiveness are honed and validated in China, a market featuring rapid evolution and highly diversified consumer demands.
"Outdoor, outwear, China is seeing a lot of progress, so it's very interesting to see what China guests require. If you know what China guests want, and [combined with] people that living in Vancouver or Whistler near Canada, because we have a lot of mountains and outdoors -- the combination makes it a global product," he said.
Beyond product development, global companies are increasingly regarding China not only as a destination for bilateral trade, but as a springboard for broader global investment.
"China speed, in terms of innovation [and] in trends, is so intense that if we are present in China, and we have teams here developing the products that's needed for the China market, we see the potential to export them," said Maestrini.
Launched in 2018, the CIIE is the world's first national-level expo dedicated to import, and has become an important gateway for foreign businesses seeking access to China's vast consumer and industrial markets. This year's exhibition is held from Nov. 5 to 10.
Canadian athletic apparel brand deepens China presence with proactive CIIE showcase
Canadian athletic apparel brand deepens China presence with proactive CIIE showcase
