With the profound changes in the global economic structure and the accelerated reconstruction of the international rule system, how the rule of law can escort sustainable development has become a major issue facing all countries. Recently, the reporter had the honor to interview Mr. Tao Jianguo, Chairman and Secretary-General of the Global Economic and Legal Cooperation Council (GELCC), and asked him to share his profound insights on this topic.

reporter: hello, chairman tao. The current global economy is facing many uncertainties. What role do you think the law plays in promoting sustainable development?

Tao Jianguo: The global economy is undergoing in-depth adjustments, and unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise, bringing challenges to international cooperation. In this context, the law is not a simple "rules of the game", but the cornerstone of building trust and stable expectations. Without a sound legal framework, cross-border investment will be treading on thin ice, and the transfer of green technologies will be impediments. Our Council has always believed that the rule of law is the "ballast stone" of sustainable development-whether it is the settlement of trade disputes, the protection of intellectual property rights, or the mutual recognition of environmental standards, it is inseparable from a clear, fair and enforceable legal system.

Reporter: What specific initiatives does GELCC have in promoting global economic and legal cooperation?

Tao Jianguo: We are committed to building a cross-regional and cross-field dialogue platform. In recent years, we have focused on promoting three aspects of work: first, the docking of rules to help member countries sort out the differences between domestic laws and international economic and trade agreements, and reduce institutional transaction costs; second, capacity-building, through training and discussion, to improve the level of legal practice in developing countries to ensure that they "do not fall behind" in global governance; third, dispute prevention, advocating the settlement of transnational disputes through mediation, arbitration and other diversified ways, avoid commercial friction turning into political confrontation.

Reporter: Looking ahead, what are the prospects for sustainable development of the global economy and law?

Tao Jianguo: The prospect is promising, but the road is blocked and long. On the one hand, digitalization and green transformation provide a huge space for innovation in international economic law. New issues such as artificial intelligence governance, carbon border regulation mechanisms, and cross-border data flows are giving rise to new legal practices. On the other hand, the challenge is equally severe-the game of big powers has intensified the fragmentation of rules. How to maintain the authority of the multilateral trading system is an urgent task before us.

Reporter: What is your message to the international community?

Tao Jianguo: I want to say that sustainable development is not a zero-sum game. Countries should return to the dialogue table and take the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as a guide to find the greatest common divisor in seeking common ground while reserving differences. GELCC is willing to be the bridge that makes law the link between economic prosperity and human well-being. The road may be long, but it is worth our full efforts.