Over 40 foreign diplomats in China from 28 countries marveled at China's technological prowess during the inaugural 2024 Global Insights into Chinese Enterprises, which concluded on June 15, in Shanghai. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Over 40 foreign diplomats in China from 28 countries marveled at China's technological prowess during the inaugural 2024 Global Insights into Chinese Enterprises in Shanghai, expressing interest in strengthening cooperation.

The four-day event, which concluded on June 15, provided a platform for Shanghai's leading enterprises to showcase their latest innovations and flagship products to the international envoys.

"Shanghai epitomizes high-end equipment production, excelling not only in aircraft manufacturing but also in the automotive and shipbuilding industries," remarked Chen Li, director-general of the Department of Foreign Affairs Management of the Foreign Ministry.

"Through field visits, you'll witness China's unwavering determination to pursue common development with all nations, confidence in delivering quality products, technologies, and services globally, and original aspiration to benefit people across the world," Chen added.

The tour commenced at the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, where diplomats toured design, research and development, gaining firsthand insights into China's commercial aircraft programs like the ARJ21 regional jet and the C919 narrow-body aircraft.

Established in 2008, COMAC showcases China's efforts to develop a globally competitive commercial aerospace industry. To date, the ARJ21 has been delivered over 130 sets across more than 150 cities worldwide, while the C919 commenced commercial operations in May 2023 with six aircraft delivered to launch customer China Eastern Airlines.

"COMAC showcased these Chinese-made aircraft at the Singapore Airshow earlier this year, including flight demonstrations. This event allowed me to experience them up close," said Chua Teng Hoe, consul general of Singapore in Shanghai. Regarding the prospect of introducing the C919, he said, "We would certainly consider quality products."

Over 40 foreign diplomats in China from 28 countries marveled at China's technological prowess during the inaugural 2024 Global Insights into Chinese Enterprises, which concluded on June 15, in Shanghai. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

At China State Shipbuilding Corporation, diplomats explored China's shipbuilding prowess, visiting the Jiangnan Shipyard Group, a shipbuilding subsidiary of CSSC, and attending forums on the group's history, innovation, intelligent systems and green development initiatives.

"Through the forums and field visits, we have gained a more direct appreciation of CSSC's comprehensive strengths," said Baudelaire Ndong Ella, ambassador of Gabon to China. "We will convey CSSC's collaborative aspirations to our respective countries, facilitating project cooperation, and promoting deeper and broader collaboration."

The tour also included visits to green technology company Envision Group, global innovation-driven consumer group Fosun, and brain science firm Neuracle Technology Company, providing insights into Shanghai's diverse industrial landscape.

At the Shanghai industrial cooperation and exchange meeting, diplomats received updates on the city's industrial development landscape and engaged with local firms to explore potential partnerships.

Ambassadors and consuls general expressed their admiration for China's technological advancements and eagerness for further cooperation. "I know that China is good at shipbuilding, cruise ships and aircraft. So you are covering land, sea and air. I have seen enough to know that the government and the people of China have invested heavily in producing for their own consumption and for export across the world," said Arthur H.W. Williams, Jamaica's Ambassador to China.

"The past few days have showcased how China's technological innovation has achieved lean manufacturing, efficient postproduction processes and exceptional system quality," said Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi, UAE ambassador to China.

Over 40 foreign diplomats in China from 28 countries marveled at China's technological prowess during the inaugural 2024 Global Insights into Chinese Enterprises, which concluded on June 15, in Shanghai. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

"The UAE and China already enjoy robust collaboration built upon our strong relationship, strategic partnership and shared vision for the future. I believe this cooperation will continue flourishing as we grow together," he added.

"This opportunity allowed me to witness the powerful synergy generated by combining independent innovation and intelligent manufacturing," said Miguel Angel Isidro, consul general of Mexico in Shanghai, noting that he believes this is the key to China's transformation from a manufacturing powerhouse to a global leader in intelligent industries.

Marcelo Gabriel Suárez Salvia, Argentine ambassador to China, expressed enthusiasm for potential collaborations, stating, "It's always good to have conversations on what can be done between Argentina and Chinese enterprises. These events are very useful as they allow diplomatic inbounds to witness the firsthand progress China has made in many areas."

Sun Weidong, vice foreign minister, emphasized China's commitment to innovation-driven development and a mutually beneficial opening-up strategy in his remarks.

"China is willing to share the dividends and opportunities brought about by the Chinese path to modernization and advance an inclusive, beneficial economic globalization," said Sun. "We hope the diplomats will actively promote exchanges and cooperation between China and your countries, explore collaborative opportunities, strengthen industrial synergies and achieve common development."

The "Global Insights into Chinese Enterprises" series event is an interactive exchange platform created by China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to showcase the nation's modernization achievements, vision, and opportunities for cooperation with foreign diplomats. The latest session in Shanghai is co-hosted by China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Shanghai Municipal Government, COMAC, and CSSC.