Page 19 - The South China Business Journal
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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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