Foreign Firms Reaffirm Commitment to China Market for Growth

At a recent conference, foreign business leaders reasserted their commitment to the Chinese market, underscoring the abundant and diverse opportunities for collaboration as the country embarks on the 15th Five-Year Plan from 2026 to 2030.

The conference, hosted by the Investment Promotion Agency of the Ministry of Commerce of China, aimed to enhance understanding of China’s market and policy frameworks among foreign entities. Participants included diplomats, business representatives, and officials who engaged in discussions about potential partnerships.

Attendees came from over 20 countries and regions, including various multinational companies and investment promoters. Alongside them, representatives from more than 20 provinces and municipalities in China showcased their initiatives and efforts to attract international business.

Tom Simpson, head of China Operations for the China-Britain Business Council, expressed strong appreciation for the engagement between British businesses and the Ministry of Commerce. He emphasized the significant opportunities to communicate, share insights, and address trade-related concerns.

Highlighting sectors of optimism within the Chinese market, Simpson pointed to health care, international finance, and professional services as areas witnessing positive developments. He maintained that British investment in China remains strong, with a long-term optimistic outlook as domestic consumption shows signs of recovery.

The conference also served as a networking platform, according to Osamu Onodera of the Japan External Trade Organization, where foreign companies could gain insight into regulatory policies and connect with relevant business partners. Japanese firms, particularly in sectors like electronics and consumer products, have found success and integration within the Chinese market.

Martin Hofmann, chairman of the German Chamber of Commerce in China, highlighted the extensive presence of German companies in the Chinese market, with the majority having over 15 years of operational history. Hofmann stated that despite challenges, 93 percent of German enterprises remain committed to their operations in China.

He specifically pointed out improvements in intellectual property protection by China, which he believes fosters greater confidence among foreign businesses. Hofmann reinforced that German firms view China as a vital partner for long-term growth.

Additionally, Arkadiusz Budzinski of Ipsen China shared that China's status as the world’s second-largest pharmaceutical market makes it a strategic focus for the company, particularly considering the aging population that drives demand for medical innovations.

Ipsen’s evolution in strategy towards collaborative product development with local biotech firms marks a significant shift in their approach to the Chinese market, highlighting continuous investment since their entry 30 years ago. This strategy underscores the growing importance of China in the global pharmaceutical landscape.

Recent findings from KPMG reveal that approximately 70 percent of multinational executives express confidence in their growth potential in China over the next three to five years, with 94 percent continuing to invest in the region.

Furthermore, data from the Ministry of Commerce indicates that between January and November 2025, over 61,000 new foreign-invested enterprises were established in China, representing a 16.9 percent increase year-on-year, confirming that China remains an attractive destination for foreign investment.