On the morning of November 14, the opening ceremony and main forum of the AHK Greater China Xceleration Days 2024 commenced at the Shougang International Convention and Exhibition Center (at Blast Furnace No. 4 of Shougang Park). The opening ceremony saw the esteemed presence of Li Fei, Vice Minister of Commerce, Si Mahong, Vice Mayor of Beijing, and regional heads of the German Chamber of Commerce in China. The event brought together around 1,000 high-level representatives from China and Germany to present the most recent advancements in Sino-German trade and economic relations, explore opportunities for future collaboration, engage in strategic dialogues related to cutting-edge technology sectors, and deepen mutually-beneficial partnerships.

In his address, Vice Minister Li Fei underscored that the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee has systematically planned to improve systems and mechanisms for high-level opening, unequivocally signaling a commitment to greater openness. He further emphasized that Germany has long been a crucial economic and trade partner of China, citing the robust foundations and promising prospects of the Sino-German economic and trade relationship. Mr. Li extended a cordial invitation to German entrepreneurs to participate in and capitalize on the opportunities brought about by China’s development, thereby delivering tangible benefits to the populations of both countries and injecting positive impetus into global economic growth. Furthermore, he encouraged enterprises from both sides to fully utilize this summit as an indispensable platform for fostering investment and collaboration, facilitating comprehensive exchanges, expanding business opportunities, and ultimately achieving synergistic success. Mr. Li noted that Shougang, established in 1919, initiated a large-scale relocation of its steel production to accommodate the city’s spatial expansion. The transformation of the former site into a modernized and revitalized space exemplifies the successful green transition and upgrade of traditional industries, standing as a testament to the historical progression of China and its industrial sector.

In her address, Si Mahong articulated that Beijing, as China’s center of politics, culture, international exchange, and scientific and technological innovation, possesses distinct advantages in its innovative capacity and industrial structure, solidifying its position as the preeminent destination of foreign investment entering China. The Xceleration Days, held in Beijing for the first time, is poised to further fortify bilateral cooperation across various sectors, including finance, technology, and trade, by driving high-level mutually beneficial partnerships. Ms. Si further noted that Shougang Park stands as a “typical example of Beijing’s successful transformation of its former industrial sites,” drawing parallels with Germany’s Ruhr industrial region. Shougang is engaged in a concerted endeavor to establish a new landmark of urban revitalization for the capital in the new era. Ms. Si extended a warm invitation for attendees to conduct in-depth explorations and tours while cordially inviting German colleagues to invest and establish businesses in Beijing, thereby partaking in shared developmental opportunities and co-creating a prosperous future.

Zhao Minge, Party Committee Secretary and Chairman of the Shougang Group, delivered a keynote speech entitled “Innovation-Driven Green Development: A Path to Breakthrough in an Era of Transformation.” He first extended a warm welcome, profound respect, and heartfelt blessings to all attendees on behalf of the Shougang Group before explaining the magnificent metamorphosis of Shougang Park.

Mr. Zhao stated that, from the foothills of Shijingshan to the shores of the Bohai Sea, Shougang’s entities have engaged in multifaceted collaborations with enterprises in the global supply chain, including those from Germany, achieving mutual success through reciprocal partnerships. Shougang has realized win-win results with upstream industrial chains through global procurement and collaborative development, and fostered mutually beneficial successes with downstream customers by providing products and services. By leveraging the Shougang Park platform, Shougang has established a platform for exchange between Chinese and German enterprises, consistently expanding the circle of partners in both countries. Throughout this journey, Shougang has grown alongside its German counterparts through open dialogue, believing that openness begets development and prosperity. The robust commercial engagements and mutually advantageous cooperation between Chinese and German enterprises will benefit the citizens of both sides and drive regional prosperity.

Addressing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead and contemplating how enterprises can achieve sustainable development in this era of transformation, Mr. Zhao pointed out that innovation-driven growth and green development are the strategic imperatives for the sustainable development of corporate citizens. Shougang remains committed to technological innovation as its paramount competitive edge, providing its global customers with premium products and services. It is dedicated to green development principles and strives to be at the vanguard of implementing the “peak carbon and carbon neutrality” strategy. Shougang continues to practice urban renewal and foster new landmarks of urban revitalization that embrace a shared future. Mr. Zhao sincerely invited German enterprises to join the Shougang ecosystem, spearhead industrial innovation through technological advancements, and jointly create a new landscape of green and low-carbon growth.

Serving as the main venue of this event, Blast Furnace No. 4 in Shougang Park was Shougang’s first 2,000-m3-class modern blast furnace. Prior to its decommissioning, it operated steadily for 16 years, ranking as one of the longest-serving blast furnaces at the time and bearing witness to a chapter in Shougang’s history marked by open collaboration and transformation. At this year’s China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS), Blast Furnace No. 4 opened as the exhibition complex of the Shougang International Convention and Exhibition Center. While retaining its distinctive industrial aesthetic, the complex has been integrated with new urban functionalities such as conventions and exhibitions, becoming an urban reception hall in western Beijing.

The renovation and repurposing of Blast Furnace No. 4 represents the most recent achievement in Shougang Park’s innovation-driven development. Through persistent and concerted efforts, Shougang Park has evolved into a cross-sectoral integrated urban industrial community where many technological enterprises are based. Shougang Park has become an industrial aesthetic space that embodies the convergence of industry and urban life. The former industrial facilities, structures, and buildings have been revitalized in novel ways and used for hosting various sporting events, cultural activities, and exhibitions, thereby solidifying its position as a burgeoning consumer destination in Beijing.

The Xceleration Days 2024 will last for three days and feature a comprehensive agenda, including thematic forums, exhibitions, and business site visits. Senior executives from Fortune 500 companies, high-ranking officials from prominent industry-leading enterprises, and representatives from the business community of Germany will engage in profound discussions and exchanges with their counterparts from Chinese companies, investment institutions, and industrial parks. These collaborative engagements seek to foster China-Germany commercial partnerships and advance the sustainable development goals. The event also encompasses parallel forums focused on Sino-German cooperation in green manufacturing and smart technology, leading to future productivity. These forums will feature industry experts, scholars, and entrepreneurs engaging in detailed discussions and case study analyses to explore new collaboration models and facilitate technological exchange and market engagement.