On March 20-21, the China Development Forum (CDF) 2021, was held online and offline at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing. The CDF is the first high-profile and large-scale international economic conference held after the Two Sessions each year. LI Keqiang, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, met representatives of overseas participants online at the Great Hall of the People. HAN Zheng, Vice Premier of State Council of the People’s Republic of China, made the remark when addressing the opening ceremony. Mr. Carlos Brito, Global CEO of AB InBev, and Mr. Jan Craps, CEO & Co-Chair of Budweiser APAC, President APAC AB InBev, were invited to attend the CDF.

Chinese Premier LI Keqiang met representatives of CDF overseas participants via video link at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing

Chinese Vice Premier HAN Zheng delivered a keynote speech at the CDF

 Brito delivered a speech and answered questions at the CDF Summit on "Boosting the New Peak Goals and Carbon Neutral Vision". In Brito’s speech, he said “Climate change is the most pressing societal and environmental issue confronting our planet, and every company needs to ask how it can contribute. At AB InBev, sustainability is our business. No water, no beer. We are building climate resilience through our 2025 Climate Action Goal to reduce emissions through our work in Smart Agriculture, Water Stewardship and Circular Packaging. Those goals are very consistent with China’s Climate Change goals and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.” He also stated that the Budweiser China team is leading the way on these goals, and shared examples how Bud China fulfilled "carbon" responsibility with government, with innovation and with partners together.

Brito delivered a speech and answered questions at the CDF

On March 22, Brito attended Chinese Premier LI Keqiang’s online meeting organized by the State Council. Representatives of overseas participants of the CDF also include: Elon Musk, CEO Tesla; Tim Cook, CEO Apple; Amin H. Nasser, President & CEO Aramco; Axel van Trotsenburg, Managing Director World Bank; Henry Kissinger, former U.S. Secretary of State; and six Nobel Laureates, e.g. Joseph Stiglitz, etc.