Page 19 - The South China Business Journal

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
data-rich perspectives on South China’s business
climate, spotlighting key trends, challenges, and
opportunities shaping the region. A total of 316
companies participated in this year’s study which
was conducted independently by AmCham South
China without funding or in昀氀uence from any
government entity. The 昀椀ndings provide a unique
and un昀椀ltered window into investor sentiment
and business strategy in one of the world’s most
dynamic economic corridors.
Con dence in China’s Future
One of the most striking takeaways from the
2025 Special Report is the surge in reinvestment
enthusiasm among multinational companies.
A signi昀椀cant 76% of surveyed companies
plan to reinvest in China in 2025. While the
majority—77%—of these companies are budgeting
reinvestments below US$10 million, a noteworthy
6% have earmarked more than US$250 million to
expand their footprint in China. In total, companies
plan to reinvest US$14.59 billion over the next
three to 昀椀ve years—a 33.18% increase compared
to the previous reporting cycle.
“This reinvestment surge signals long-term
con昀椀dence in China’s role as a critical market for
global enterprises,” remarked Dr. Harley Seyedin,
Chairman and President of AmCham South
China and recipient of the prestigious 2017 Oslo
Business for Peace Award (honored alongside
Elon Musk, Durreen Shahnaz, and Murad Al-Katib).
“Businesses are deepening their commitments to
ensure a strong foothold here and are hopeful for
increased US-China cooperation moving forward.”
Dr. Seyedin also highlighted a key trend: nearly
75% of American companies in China primarily
import components from the United States to
produce goods and services for the Chinese
market itself—underscoring the local-market-
oriented nature of US investments.
Against the backdrop of ongoing global
uncertainties, China’s 2024 GDP growth of 5%,
amounting to RMB 134.91 trillion (US$18.80 trillion),
sends a powerful signal to international investors.
rank China as their top investment destination,
and 58% place it among their top three globally.
Investor con昀椀dence remains high, with 73% of
participating companies reporting positive or very
positive ROI in China during 2024. Moreover, 39%
of respondents con昀椀rmed better returns in China
than in their other international markets—making
China not just a big market, but often a better one.
At the press conference, Dr. Seyedin walked
attendees through a series of compelling graphs
and statistics, shedding light on the nuanced
perspectives of companies operating in China.
He emphasized that “American companies
have long recognized the importance of the
strong economic relationship between the two
countries, and they remain committed to the
mutual bene昀椀ts of innovation, job creation, and
cultural exchange that this partnership fosters. It
is essential that both governments work together
to create a more predictable and supportive trade
environment where American businesses can
continue to thrive and contribute to the long-term
economic growth of both countries.”
Celebrating Community and Participation
Capping off the event on a high note, AmCham
South China announced the winners of a lucky
draw held among the survey participants. Four
lucky companies were awarded exciting prizes,
including a four-day getaway for two at a Club Med
South Asia resort and RMB 3,000 in cash prizes.
Loo ng Ahead
As geopolitical dialogues evolve and markets shift,
one constant remains: South China continues to
stand out as a vibrant, strategic, and pro昀椀table
destination for international business. The 2025
Special Report not only re昀氀ects the current pulse
of the investment landscape but also acts as
a roadmap for companies navigating the next
chapter of global commerce.With commitment,
resilience, and renewed optimism, the global
business community is once again placing its bets
on China.
SOUTH CHINA BUSINESS JOURNAL 16