BERLIN, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Free trade and global cooperation have become the consensus among entrepreneurs and scholars in China and Germany, as leaders of the Group of 20 (G20) member states are set to meet in the German city of Hamburg on Friday and Saturday.
PROVIDING DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Founded in 1903, Tsingtao Brewery Group Co. Ltd is one of the earliest Chinese brands that went abroad and now exports Chinese beer to about 100 countries and regions worldwide.
"China, like many other countries in the world, not only benefits from globalization but also contributes to it. Globalization provides strong impetus for global economic stability and growth," said Chairman of Tsingtao Brewery Group Sun Mingbo.
"Global cooperation and free trade provide Chinese enterprises including Tsingtao Brewery with more development opportunities," Sun emphasized, adding that China has created its own global circle of friends and is actively promoting globalization of the economy and trade under the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative.
Gu Xuewu, director of the Center for Global studies at University of Bonn in Germany, spoke highly of the proposition of "fair globalization" by the G20 Hamburg summit, saying it's an updated version of the "inclusive globalization" touted during the G20 Hangzhou summit last year.
Gu also projected that U.S. President Donald Trump might become a target for persuasion at different occasions during the summit.
"The Hamburg summit bears more risk than the Hangzhou summit. The United States made an announcement to support globalization in Hangzhou, but now it is about to withdraw," Gu said.
LONG-TERM BENEFIT
Juergen Friedrich, managing director of Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI), told Xinhua that he expects plenty of discussions to be had and ideas passed around during the G20 summit.
The G20 is responsible for tackling global economic issues, since it represents two-thirds of the world's population, three-fourths of the world trade volume and four-fifths of the world's gross domestic product, said Friedrich.
"So if we could achieve certain positions within the framework of the G20, it would be of great significance," said Friedrich, adding that the existence of the G20 actually means that isolationism and protectionism are only ways to a dead end instead of bringing the world forward.
Friedrich pointed out that anyone attempting to escape international competition may be able to benefit from it in a short term, but their innovative ability will be weakened in the long term, because only the best new ideas and development can only flourish in an environment of freedom and openness.
In addition, Friedrich suggested that exchange and cooperation between Germany and China is of great importance especially in face of challenges, since both countries are export nations in favor of globalization and free trade.
Dirk Messner, director of the Centre for Advanced Studies on Global Cooperation Research, expects strong commitments from most leaders to strengthen multilateralism during the summit.
The summit in Hamburg should send a clear message of commitment to implement the Paris climate accord and the 2030 Agenda of the United Nations as a follow-up to the G20 Hangzhou Summit last year, said Messner.
He also suggested more commitment to support Africa as part of "inclusive globalization."
