Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu in BEIJING, China
THE China Association of Development Zones has pledged to champion a more open and mutually beneficial investment cooperation model under the Belt and Road Initiative, positioning China not only as a major outbound investor but also as an increasingly attractive hub for global capital, advanced technology and strategic international partnerships.
The remarks were made during a presentation by Tianshu “Timothy” Liu at a Seminar for Media Professionals from Zimbabwe organised by the Academy for International Business Officials here on Sunday.
He outlined a structured service system designed to deepen international industrial cooperation and expand cross-border economic integration at the Beijing Hongqiao Market Corporation Building.
Established in 1993 with approval from the State Council’s Special Economic Zone Office and the Ministry of Civil Affairs, CADZ now brings together more than 300 national and provincial-level development zones across China.
The zones collectively serve over 20,000 member enterprises operating in advanced manufacturing, new energy, information technology, biomedicine, and modern agriculture — sectors increasingly seen as central to China’s high-quality growth strategy.
The central theme of Mr Liu’s presentation was China’s evolving role in global investment flows — shifting from a primarily outbound investor to a two-directional hub for cooperation.
“We not only take Chinese enterprises global, but we also welcome you to come back to China,” Mr Liu said.
“Through this two-way interaction, we can truly establish long-term, stable, and pragmatic cooperation.”
Mr Liu said CADZ covers over 300 national and provincial development zones across China, serving more than 20 000 member enterprises,” Mr Liu said.
He said in the past five years alone, the association has organised more than 150 international inspection tours and matchmaking programmes covering over 40 countries and regions, facilitating nearly 200 cross-border cooperation projects.
“In 2025, over 30 country-specific forums were held, drawing diplomatic envoys and government representatives from more than 20 countries.
*China positions itself as both investor and destination*
The Enterprise Service Department, Mr Liu said, focuses on five key enablers of international integration: policy alignment, business opportunities, talent exchange, financial facilitation, and third-party professional services.
“Our role is to leverage our unique advantages in connecting the world and fulfill the role of a super connector,” he said.
Mr Liu said China’s development zones are increasingly open to foreign participation, with structured mechanisms allowing overseas investors, institutions, and Governments to engage directly with Chinese industrial parks, high-tech zones, and bonded areas.
He said CADZ also used the platform to promote its Belt and Road Think Tank initiative, designed to bring together policymakers, academics, and industry experts to guide Chinese enterprises in overseas expansion while also improving inbound investment frameworks.
During the presentation Mr Liu said prominent international and Chinese figures have already been invited to participate.
“Your country-specific experience, policy insights, and industry resources will provide irreplaceable value,” he said.
The think tank will provide advisory input, project reviews and country-specific investment guides, aimed at improving mutual understanding between China and partner countries.
“Another key pillar of CADZ’s strategy is its International Inspection Express, which organises Chinese enterprises to visit Belt and Road countries to explore investment opportunities and establish partnerships on the ground,” he said.
Planned routes for 2026 include Africa, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Europe. Mr Liu encouraged host countries to actively shape these visits.
“I sincerely invite each of you to customize the itinerary for our inspection tour in your country,” he said, adding that collaboration with local governments and enterprises would ensure more targeted and practical outcomes.
Framing the initiative within China’s broader diplomatic philosophy, Mr Liu invoked a traditional expression to underline the importance of shared goals in international cooperation.
“There is an old saying in China: ‘No mountain or ocean can distance people who share the same goal,’” he said, urging global partners to engage across all three pillars of the platform — think tank participation, customised inspection programmes, and two-way promotional visits — as part of a broader effort to strengthen Belt and Road cooperation.
