Beijing forum explores AI-driven global expansion for manufacturers

The Overseas Sub-Forum of the 2026 Beijing CBD Forum, held in conjunction with the "Harmony for High-Quality Global Expansion" Annual Conference, opened Tuesday in Beijing, drawing more than 400 representatives from overseas trade institutions, manufacturing companies and AI service providers.

Hosted by the Beijing Association of Enterprises with Foreign Investment and organized by Alibaba Cloud, the forum explored how Chinese manufacturers could move beyond traditional product exports toward an integrated model encompassing technologies, solutions and industrial ecosystems.

Meng Fanyong, deputy director of the Beijing Investment Promotion Bureau, said Beijing has become a key hub for intelligent manufacturing companies expanding overseas, thanks to its world-class AI resources. He said the bureau will continue improving support policies and removing bottlenecks for cross-border investment.

Li Zhenkun, vice chairman of the Beijing Federation of Industry and Commerce, said Beijing is home to nearly half of China's AI unicorn companies and a large concentration of top AI talent. He said the federation will support local manufacturers in their digital transformation and global expansion efforts.

Zhu Jialiang, vice chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Beijing Sub-council, said the organization will continue building platforms that connect domestic enterprises with overseas markets and help high-end manufacturers better integrate into global value chains.

Xiong Meng, executive vice president of the China Federation of Industrial Economics, highlighted Beijing's strategic location and the country's technological advantages in connecting the digital industry with global markets.

Meng Fanyong, Li Zhenkun, Zhu Jialiang and Xiong Meng (from left to right) deliver speeches at the Overseas Sub-Forum in Beijing, June 16, 2026. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

Overseas representatives also shared insights on investment opportunities and international cooperation. Speakers included Ian J. Marshall, ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of Grenada to China; Wong Tiang Sing, minister counsellor of investment at the Embassy of Malaysia in China; and Victor Queiroz, chief representative for the Asia-Pacific at the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil).

Their remarks focused on industrial development, business environments, international economic cooperation and investment opportunities in their respective countries, offering suggestions for Chinese smart manufacturers seeking to expand overseas.

Li Yang, secretary-general of the Beijing Association of Enterprises with Foreign Investment, reviewed the achievements of the inaugural overseas sub-forum held in 2025 and outlined plans to strengthen platform development and enhance service capabilities.

Li Yinwu, managing partner of Blossom & Credit Law Firm, spoke on behalf of the first group of service partners of the "Harmony for High-Quality Global Expansion" program, which aims to help Chinese companies grow in overseas markets.

The forum also welcomed 18 new partners to the program's global service network, including business associations, overseas free trade zones such as DMCC and IFZA, legal service providers and international professional service firms such as Zhongguancun International and KPMG.

Two keynote speeches and a closed-door roundtable discussion rounded out the event, providing participating companies with practical and replicable insights for overseas development.