On March 23, Ren Hongbin, Chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), met with Tim Cook, CEO of Apple Inc., and his delegation in Beijing. The two sides exchanged views on topics such as strengthening exchanges between the Chinese and American business communities, supporting the development of foreign-funded enterprises in China, and enhancing cooperation in industrial and supply chains.
Ren Hongbin briefed Cook on the guiding principles of China’s “Two Sessions” (annual sessions of the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference). He said that despite the severe challenges facing world economic development, the fundamentals sustaining China’s sound economic growth remain unchanged. Ren voiced his confidence in achieving this year’s economic growth target, continuing to inject momentum into global economic growth, and providing broader market opportunities for Apple and other foreign-funded enterprises. The CCPIT will continue its efforts to support the development of Apple and other foreign-funded enterprises in China in various forms and through different channels, including the task forces set up for serving foreign enterprises. Ren also welcomed Apple’s active participation in the third China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE), leveraging this collaborative innovation platform to deepen global cooperation in industrial and supply chains.
Cook thanked the CCPIT for its long-standing support and assistance. Last year, Apple, together with its Chinese supplier partners, showcased at the second CISCE, achieving positive results. He noted that Premier Li Qiang’s keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the China Development Forum 2025 sent a clear message that China will continue to expand its opening up, which is encouraging. Cook expressed his delight at the Chinese government’s introduction of many effective measures to boost domestic consumption, believing they will drive development across multiple sectors. He emphasized that the business community has a significant role to play in the development of U.S.-China relations and looked forward to continued strengthening of dialogue and exchanges between the two countries. In addition, Cook demonstrated Apple’s willingness to contribute to the steady, sound, and sustainable development of U.S.-China ties.
