Page 13 - The South China Business Journal

UANGZHOU, CHINA ? March 10, 2026 ? The American Chamber of Commerce in South China
Gtoday released its 2026 Special Report on the State of Business in South China. The release was
attended by over 200 government officials, business executives and members of media including
over 40 foreign consulates mostly represented by their consuls general. This publication can be
downloaded free of charge from the Chamber's website.

The 206-page bilingual 2026 Special Report on the State of the Business in South China, the 22nd
such endeavor, provides a comprehensive and quantitative analysis of the business community and
valuable insights into the development trends in South China. This year, a total of 426 companies
participated in the study. This publication is researched and produced independently by the
American Chamber of Commerce in South China and does not represent the opinions of the US
or any other government or organization. The Chamber does not receive any funds from any
government in the production of this publication.

01 | China¡¯s Strategic Allure Intensifies

Despite ongoing trade tensions, China¡¯s position as a leading global investment destination
continues to strengthen. 45% of the companies studied ranked China as their top global investment
priority, representing a notable 6pp increase from 2024. Revenue data further underscores this
strategic emphasis: 37% of companies generated more than 60% of their global revenue from
China, a 6pp increase.

Dr. Harley Seyedin, Chairman and President of AmCham South China, winner of 2017 Oslo
Business for Peace Award (along with Elon Musk, Durreen Shahnaz and Murad Al-Katib), which
is bestowed by an Award Committee consisting of Nobel Laureates in Peace and Economics,
said, ¡°Although profitability has moderated slightly in the near term, the broader data reflects
remarkable strategic resilience. Companies are deepening?not retreating from?their
engagement in China, recognizing the scale of its market, the sophistication of its innovation
ecosystem, and its long-term growth trajectory.¡±
02 | Sustained and Deepening Market Commitment SPECIAL REPORT

? The 2026 Special Report highlights exceptional levels of commitment to the Chinese market:
? 95% of participating companies reaffirm their commitment to maintaining operations in China.
? Not a single company reported a complete withdrawal from the market.

n May 7, 2025, former U.S. Senator
ODavid Perdue was officially sworn
in as the United States Ambassador to
the People¡¯s Republic of China, following
his confirmation by the U.S. Senate. The
swearing-in ceremony took place at the
White House and was presided over by
President Donald Trump. Below is an
excerpt from the ceremony transcript,
highlighting key remarks made during the
event.

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