Photo caption: Sihan Bo Chen, Head of Greater China, GSMA, and John Hoffman, CEO of GSMA Ltd welcome attendees to MWC25 Shanghai at the event\u2019s Opening Ceremony<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Global business leaders and policymakers gather to explore China\u2019s leadership in API innovation and industry momentum\u00a0\u00a0<\/em>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n 18 June 2025, Shanghai<\/strong>: GSMA MWC25 Shanghai<\/a> officially opened today during an Opening Ceremony at the Kerry Hotel Pudong, Shanghai. The three-day event brings together around 400 speakers and thought leaders for a dynamic programme of keynotes, conference tracks, and showcases at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC). This year\u2019s conference agenda is focused on the themes: 5G Inside, AI+, Connected Industries, and Connected Enablers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Vivek Badrinath, Director General, GSMA, said: \u201cChina is the home to the world\u2019s largest 5G market and at the forefront of AI and open API development, backed by strong collaboration across operators and developers. MWC Shanghai continues to be a powerful platform for showcasing how these technologies are reshaping industries and driving broad-based, sustainable growth.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n The MWC25 Shanghai opening ceremony was hosted by John Hoffman, CEO of GSMA Ltd., and Sihan Bo Chen, Head of Greater China at the GSMA, with keynotes throughout the morning by Yang Jie, Chairman, China Mobile<\/strong>; Zhu Huarong, Chairman, Chongqing Changan Automobile<\/strong>; Zhang Zhiyong, Chairman, China Tower<\/strong>; Eric Xu, Deputy Chairman & Rotating Chairman, Huawei<\/strong>; Anna Yip, CEO, International Digital Services, Singteland Vivek Badrinath, Director General of the GSMA<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n John Hoffman, CEO of GSMA Ltd., said: \u201cWe are excited to return to MWC Shanghai for one of our most vibrant editions. From <\/em>robotaxis and humanoid robots to AI smartphones and autonomous mobility<\/em><\/a>, the innovations on display highlight the incredible pace of change set by Asia\u2019s digital and mobile industries. We warmly welcome everyone to experience the show and discover how connectivity is empowering people, industries and societies to succeed.\u201d<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Driving GSMA Open Gateway momentum in China<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n MWC25 Shanghai hosts the GSMA Open Gateway Summit<\/a> today, bringing together operators, developers, and enterprises to explore the commercialisation of network APIs. Global mobile operator groups participating in the GSMA Open Gateway initiative represent almost 80% of global mobile connections. The summit\u2019s sessions explore monetisation strategies, GenAI integration, and real-world deployments, underlining the growing role of APIs in shaping industries worldwide. \u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n China\u2019s network API spend accounted for 94% of the global <\/strong>total in 2024 (USD514 million) and is forecast to grow to USD2.8bn by 2030, according to new research from Analysys Mason1<\/sup>. GSMA Open Gateway offers a standardised approach to network APIs allowing developers to easily plug their new digital services into multiple mobile networks. All of the 14 mobile network operators in Greater China have joined the GSMA Open Gateway initiative, with the country already seeing successful commercialised Quality on Demand APIs deployed across multiple industries, including mobile gaming, financial services, media and manufacturing.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n Driving industry collaboration<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n The GSMA Foundry, the go-to hub for cross-industry collaboration and business development, is hosting a series of innovation showcases at MWC25 Shanghai. Highlights will include China Mobile\u2019s Agentic AI for Telco; Skylo\u2019s satellite-powered messaging demo for emergency connectivity; and ZTE\u2019s multi-agent collaboration solution. <\/p>\n\n\n\n MWC25 Shanghai hosts the GTI Summit<\/a>, exploring the path from 5G-Advanced to 6G and the convergence trends of next-gen technologies. Winning teams will be announced for the \u201cNew Calling x AI\u201d Challenge<\/a>, recognised by the GSMA Foundry, and the GTI 5G-A\u00d7AI Development Programme. <\/p>\n\n\n\n New for this year, MWC25 Shanghai introduces the GSMA Innovation Frontier Zone<\/a> and the GSMA Policy Leaders Forum<\/a>, and is hosting the 2025 World Robot Contest Qualifier<\/a> and IOTE<\/a>. Alongside these exciting features, MWC will see the return of 4YFN<\/a> with a fresh new energy, as well as the iconic Future Tech Hall<\/a>, featuring the Government Pavilions<\/a>, and GSMA Summits<\/a> and, GSMA Digital Leaders Programme<\/a>. For more exciting features click here<\/a>. featuring the Government Pavilions<\/a>, and GSMA Summits<\/a> and, GSMA Digital Leaders Programme<\/a>. For more exciting features click here<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Driving climate action progress<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n The GSMA launched the Mobile Net Zero Greater China report<\/a> today. For the first time, mobile operators in China recorded a 4% decrease in operational emissions, despite rapid growth in user demand and 5G deployment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n MWC Shanghai also introduces a new recycling programme<\/a> this year in partnership with SNIEC. Recycling bins have been placed across Halls N1\u2013N5 to collect plastic bottles, cans, and printed materials. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Find the latest information and news live from MWC25 Shanghai on our Press Zone<\/a>.\u202f\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n -ENDS- <\/p>\n\n\n\n About GSMA<\/strong>\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n The GSMA is a global organisation unifying the mobile ecosystem to discover, develop and deliver innovation foundational to positive business environments and societal change. Our vision is to unlock the full power of connectivity so that people, industry, and society thrive. Representing mobile operators and organisations across the mobile ecosystem and adjacent industries, the GSMA delivers for its members across three broad pillars: Connectivity for Good, Industry Services and Solutions, and Outreach. This activity includes advancing policy, tackling today\u2019s biggest societal challenges, underpinning the technology and interoperability that make mobile work, and providing the world\u2019s largest platform to convene the mobile ecosystem at the MWC and M360 series of events.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n We invite you to find out more at\u202fgsma.com<\/a>\u202f\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n