Page 19 - The South China Business Journal
P. 19

Now in its 21st edition, the 208-page bilingual   The 2025 report found that 39% of companies
             report offers one of the most comprehensive and   rank China as their top investment destination,
             data-rich perspectives on South China’s business   and 58% place it among their top three globally.
             climate, spotlighting key trends, challenges, and   Investor con昀椀dence remains high, with 73% of
             opportunities shaping the region. A total of 316   participating companies reporting positive or very
             companies participated in this year’s study which   positive ROI in China during 2024. Moreover, 39%
             was conducted independently by AmCham South       of respondents con昀椀rmed better returns in China
             China without funding or in昀氀uence from any       than in their other international markets—making
             government entity. The 昀椀ndings provide a unique   China not just a big market, but often a better one.
             and un昀椀ltered window into investor sentiment
             and business strategy in one of the world’s most   At the press conference, Dr. Seyedin walked
             dynamic economic corridors.                       attendees through a series of compelling graphs
                                                               and statistics, shedding light on the nuanced
             Con dence in China’s Future                       perspectives of companies operating in China.
                                                               He emphasized that “American companies
             One of the most striking takeaways from the       have long recognized the importance of the
             2025 Special Report is the surge in reinvestment   strong economic relationship between the two
             enthusiasm among multinational companies.         countries, and they remain committed to the
             A signi昀椀cant 76% of surveyed companies           mutual bene昀椀ts of innovation, job creation, and
             plan to reinvest in China in 2025. While the      cultural exchange that this partnership fosters. It
             majority—77%—of these companies are budgeting     is essential that both governments work together
             reinvestments below US$10 million, a noteworthy   to create a more predictable and supportive trade
             6% have earmarked more than US$250 million to     environment where American businesses can
             expand their footprint in China. In total, companies   continue to thrive and contribute to the long-term
             plan to reinvest US$14.59 billion over the next   economic growth of both countries.”
             three to 昀椀ve years—a 33.18% increase compared
             to the previous reporting cycle.                  Celebrating Community and Participation

             “This reinvestment surge signals long-term
             con昀椀dence in China’s role as a critical market for   Capping off the event on a high note, AmCham
             global enterprises,” remarked Dr. Harley Seyedin,   South China announced the winners of a lucky
                                                               draw held among the survey participants. Four
             Chairman and President of AmCham South            lucky companies were awarded exciting prizes,
             China and recipient of the prestigious 2017 Oslo   including a four-day getaway for two at a Club Med
             Business for Peace Award (honored alongside       South Asia resort and RMB 3,000 in cash prizes.
             Elon Musk, Durreen Shahnaz, and Murad Al-Katib).
             “Businesses are deepening their commitments to
             ensure a strong foothold here and are hopeful for   Loo ng Ahead
             increased US-China cooperation moving forward.”
             Dr. Seyedin also highlighted a key trend: nearly   As geopolitical dialogues evolve and markets shift,
             75% of American companies in China primarily      one constant remains: South China continues to
             import components from the United States to       stand out as a vibrant, strategic, and pro昀椀table
             produce goods and services for the Chinese        destination for international business. The 2025
             market itself—underscoring the local-market-      Special Report not only re昀氀ects the current pulse
             oriented nature of US investments.                of the investment landscape but also acts as
                                                               a roadmap for companies navigating the next
             Against the backdrop of ongoing global            chapter of global commerce.With commitment,
             uncertainties, China’s 2024 GDP growth of 5%,     resilience, and renewed optimism, the global
             amounting to RMB 134.91 trillion (US$18.80 trillion),   business community is once again placing its bets
             sends a powerful signal to international investors.   on China.

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