Chinese Premier Li Qiang said China’s economy is projected to exceed CNY 170 trillion (USD 23.9 trillion) within five years, highlighting the country as a growing market for global companies and signaling efforts to ease concerns over trade imbalances. Speaking at the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai on Wednesday, Li described the anticipated GDP expansion as “new significant contributions to global growth” and pledged to further open China’s consumer market to international businesses, following a major trade deal with the U.S. He emphasized Beijing’s commitment to supporting globalization and strengthening economic ties with trading partners, noting: “At a time when the world economy is slowing down and international disputes are intensifying, we must all the more adhere to equal and mutually beneficial cooperation, embrace free markets and free trade, and resolve cross-border contradictions and problems through joint development.”