Li Daokui
Economist at Tsinghua University and former member of the central bank's monetary policy committee
After listening to President Xi Jinping's opening speech at the annual World Economic Forum on Tuesday Prof Li Daokui from Tsinghua University says Xi has sent a very strong message to advance globalization and help the rest of the world benefit from China's development after China has gained mutual benefits due to openness and reform.
Li also said President Xi gave this message at the right time when Donald Trump is going to move into the White House in a few days and as top Western leaders did not attend this annual forum.
Kishore Mahbubani
Professor of National University of Singapore
In President Xi Jinping's inspiring opening speech at the annual World Economic Forum on Tuesday, he has shown a "completely positive" vision and message which is not only about China but also the rest of the world, said Kishore Mahbubani, dean and professor in the Practice of Public Policy of Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy of National University of Singapore.
The professor says these attitudes are in major contrast with those of some countries which are now more inward-looking, citing Donald Trump, who is going to be sworn in as the American president in dozens of hours, always saying America first, America first.
Danae Kyriakopoulo
Head of Research, OMFIF
Xi Jinping's keynote speech had a symbolic importance as the first-ever presence of a Chinese President in the traditionally Western-led gathering of the global elites. Beyond the symbolism, the speech was an impressive tour-de-force in defence of globalisation. Xi's remarks come at a critical juncture in history. The US and the UK, once the champions of economic liberalism and the proponents of globalisation, are retreating from the world stage and from integration with their neighbours. In this context, Xi's speech was a refreshing showcase of his leadership in the world stage.
Jurgen M. Geissinger
CEO of German energy solution company Senvion
President Xi Jinping has given a "visionary statement" in his opening speech at the World Economic Forum on Tuesday, which is about the future, globalization and an open market, according to Jurgen M. Geissinger, CEO of German energy solution company Senvion.
Geissinger said Xi also talked about the fight against protectionism and bringing the world closer together, which will create an open global environment to encourage the flow of trade, capital, technology and human resources.
