Chinese participants see WEF as efficient network platform, predictor for future

DAVOS - The annual Davos meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) concluded on Saturday, drawing applause from Chinese participants.

President of Guangzhou Automobile Group Co Zhang Fangyou, who attended the WEF in 1995 for the first time, said Davos provided his company with efficient access to Europe.

Before his arrival to Davos, Zhang said they had a European tour to meet with business partners in different countries, such as France and Germany.

With more engagement of high technology providers from Europe, the business trip was fruitful and promoted local network by the chance of the Davos meeting, he added.

Regarding to his impression about the WEF, Zhang said that changes came as the range of topics had been expanded, covering not only economic sectors, but also cultural and political issues.

Wu Hougang, CEO of Chinese seafood distributor Zoneco Group, said that the WEF has expanded his horizons.

"Davos is platform to help you understand the world economic trend and direction of changes in important sectors," Wu said, adding that "If you want to know this year's trend and foresee the future, just attend the WEF in Davos."

In Wu's eyes, the world is in the transition era, which will bring radical or even revolutionary changes. "You have to embrace such trend if want to survive and thrive," he said.

Wu said that he learned about the unpreventable development of e-commerce from last year's WEF. "Our company then drew on Internet to sell our seafood products, and we are China's biggest online seafood distributor now."

The two businessmen were among a host of Chinese participants who enjoyed a lot from the WEF. Even though they probably could not reach any concrete solutions with business partners during the forum, they gained more accurate sense both in global economy and development direction.

More than 80 participants from China representing business, government, international organizations, academia, attended the four-day Davos meeting featuring 280 sessions and workshops.