At 2:00 PM local time on December 15, 2025, following its release at the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE) in Beijing on December 11, the Global Value Chain Development Report 2025 (hereinafter referred to as the Report 2025) was released once again at the World Trade Organization (WTO) headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala attended the launch event and delivered the opening remarks, while UIBE President Zhao Zhongxiu was present and delivered the closing remarks. Li Xiaomeng, Director of the International Office, Qi Yinan, Director of the Development Planning Division, and Wang Ran, Associate Researcher at the Global Value Chain Institute of UIBE also participated in the launch.

Ms. Iweala spoke highly of the Report 2025 in her address, pointing out that globalization is far from over and global value chains remain indispensable. Globalization is not stopping but is "reorganizing," and the Report 2025 provides key facts and important data to illustrate this view. The Report 2025 offers crucial insights for countries on policies to adopt in the face of a more decentralized, diversified, and resilient value chain. Ms. Iweala emphasized that the WTO is honored to be a key partner in the Report 2025 and sincerely thanked UIBE for its critical efforts in ensuring the smooth publication of the report.

Robert Koopman, the chief editor of the Report 2025, former Chief Economist of the WTO, and professor at American University, along with the lead authors of each chapter, introduced the main viewpoints and key findings of the report. Additionally, representatives from other international organizations, the business community, and government departments shared their perspectives on the core issues addressed in the Report 2025. It was unanimously agreed that the Report 2025 is a comprehensive report of high academic value and policy significance at a critical juncture in globalization, poised to offer important insights for academia, business, and policymaking.

UIBE President Professor Zhao Zhongxiu delivered the closing remarks for the Report 2025. President Zhao first expressed appreciation for the WTO's efforts in preparing the Geneva launch event and thanked the other partners of the Report 2025 for their significant contributions during the two-year preparatory period. In his closing remarks, President Zhao put forward three key points: First, globalization is entering a phase of "deepening reorganization" rather than "stagnation," and the important experience of Asian countries actively participating in the global division of labor provides a model for the world to overcome the "lock-in effect." Second, formulating coordinated, transparent, and mutually beneficial industrial policies can ensure that innovation and the green transition are smoothly realized within global value chains. Third, improving infrastructure, strengthening institutional safeguards, and enhancing the quality of human capital through multiple measures are fundamental guarantees for promoting the healthy and orderly development of global value chains.

Prior to the launch event, WTO Deputy Director-General Johanna Hill met with the UIBE delegation. President Zhao Zhongxiu expressed gratitude to the WTO for its important contributions during the compilation and editing process of the Report 2025. Wang Ran, deputy editor of the Report 2025 and Associate Researcher at the Global Value Chain Institute, introduced the situation and social impact of the Beijing launch event for the Report 2025. Ms. Hill stated that the WTO is willing to continue supporting the research and publication work related to the Report and looks forward to deepening cooperation with UIBE in the Global Value Chain Development Report 2027.