Xi Jinping presents Klaus Schwab with China Reform Friendship Medal

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Muzi Li, Public Engagement, World Economic Forum; Tel: +86 10 6599 9523; Email: muzi.li@weforum.org

Professor Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, has received the “China Reform Friendship Medal” awarded by the Chinese government.
The honor primarily recognizes foreign nationals who contributed to China’s 40 years of reform and opening up.
For more information about the World Economic Forum, please visit www.weforum.org

Beijing, China, 18 December 2018 — At today’s celebration marking the 40th anniversary of reform and opening up, Professor Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, was awarded the “China Reform Friendship Medal” by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of China’s reform and opening up, and the “China Reform Friendship Medal” recognizes foreign nationals who have made significant contributions to China’s reform and opening-up efforts. Also awarded alongside the “China Reform Friendship Medal” were 100 Chinese scientists, reformers and business leaders named “Reform Pioneers.”

“I am deeply honoured to receive this medal,” said Professor Schwab. “Over the past 40 years, I have been personally involved in China’s development. The medal recognizes the unique role the World Economic Forum has played in China’s development. We have provided a platform for developing China’s global relations and strengthening multilateral cooperation.”

In 1979, China’s first delegation attended the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in the small Swiss town of Davos—a tradition that continues to this day. Since 1981, the World Economic Forum has organized annual meetings in China for company CEOs and, to this end, established the Annual Meeting of the New Champions, also known as the “Summer Davos,” shaping it into a leading global summit for innovation, technology and entrepreneurship. In 2006, the World Economic Forum established a representative office in China, dedicated to inviting Chinese government and business leaders to participate in shaping global, regional and industry agendas.

In 2017, President Xi attended the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos. In his keynote address to business, political and civil society representatives, President Xi firmly defended globalization, prompting a strong response around the world.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping presents Professor Klaus Schwab with the “China Reform Friendship Medal”