The 15th Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the Summer Davos Forum, is taking place in Dalian, Liaoning province, from June 24-26, 2024. This significant event highlights the strategic importance of Dalian, showcasing its advanced infrastructure and pivotal role in global trade and economic development.
At the Dalian Port automobile terminal in the Dalian Jinpu New Area, a state-level new area, vehicles are being loaded onto China-Europe freight trains bound for Central Asia. Since the establishment of the Dalian Area of China (Liaoning) Pilot Free Trade Zone, Dalian Port has become a preferred hub for commercial vehicle transportation, leveraging policy advantages to boost trade efficiency.
Impressive Trade Growth
In 2023, the Dalian Area saw a 52% year-on-year increase in the export of commercial vehicles, reaching 60,000 units from Dayaowan Port. Container throughput hit 4.93 million TEUs, up 12% year-on-year, while crude oil throughput climbed 8.3% to 36.11 million metric tons. Liaoning Port Group's Dalian Port facilitates trade with over 160 countries and 300 ports globally, handling more than 70% of Northeast China's foreign trade cargo and 98% of its foreign trade container throughput.
Strategic Location and Connectivity
Situated on the southern tip of the Liaodong Peninsula, Dalian faces both the Bohai and Yellow seas, boasting a 2,211-kilometer coastline, the longest among Chinese cities. Hosting the Summer Davos Forum, Dalian gains deeper insights into global economic trends, driving the convergence of world-class resources and integrating its industries into the global supply chain.
Enhancing Openness and Attracting Investment
Dalian is leveraging the forum to showcase its investment-friendly environment and advantageous industries. The city has enacted local regulations to support foreign investment, aiming to stabilize and enhance the quality of foreign capital inflow. Dalian has attracted over 17,000 foreign-invested enterprises, with 124 Fortune 500 companies investing in 288 local projects. The city continues to develop its high-level gateway, promoting both domestic and international participation.
Focus on Innovation and Development
Dalian is accelerating the transformation and upgrading of its traditional industries while promoting new productive forces through technological innovation. The city hosts 115 national-level scientific and technological platforms and 635 city-level or above platforms, including nine national key laboratories. In 2023, the Dalian Artificial Intelligence Computing Center was approved as a national AI innovation platform.
High-level laboratories and research teams are emerging in Yinggeshi Science City, positioning Dalian as an international innovation hub. The city is also enhancing its status as an international coastal tourist destination, with significant increases in tourist arrivals and income in 2023.
Boosting Tourism and Cultural Appeal
Dalian is not only focusing on its industrial and economic strengths but also polishing its cultural and coastal resources to attract tourists. In 2023, the city saw an 87.84% year-on-year increase in tourist arrivals, reaching 157.49% of the 2019 level. Tourist income increased by 183.13% year-on-year, totaling 185.58% of the 2019 level. Initiatives such as the popularization of the fifth Gangdong Street have enhanced the city's charm and tourist appeal.
Future Prospects
By hosting the Summer Davos Forum, Dalian integrates itself more deeply into the global economy, leveraging its strategic position and advanced infrastructure to attract investment and drive economic growth. The city's ongoing efforts in innovation, openness, and cultural enhancement position it as a model for other cities aiming to balance economic and social development.