Multinational CEOs at the China Development Forum's Beijing Night struck a bullish tone on Sunday night, expressing renewed confidence in investing in the Chinese capital after a keynote speech by Beijing's top official.

In a speech, Yin Li, Party chief of Beijing, highlighted the city's role as a global innovation hub, citing the strengths of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, its burgeoning digital economy, and the synergistic effects brought by its educational, technological, and human resources. He anticipated that Beijing would continue to collaborate with multinational companies to "build Beijing into a global investment destination" during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30).

Apple CEO Tim Cook took the opportunity to express gratitude for the relationships Apple has cultivated in Beijing, as well as optimism. He said that China and Apple share "a future where technology can be a force for good, uplifting people, enriching their lives, and unlocking a wellspring of human potential".

Saravoot Yoovidhya, CEO of T.C. Pharmaceutical Industries from Thailand, said, "Our company enjoys strong support, and it's quite easy to communicate with the government in Beijing to find the solutions we need."

During the event, attendees enjoyed ice cream made by locally produced robots, observed rehabilitation exoskeletons, and tried on translator glasses.