Working for a healthier, more efficient future

Editor's Note: This year marks a critical milestone as China concludes its 14th Five-Year Plan. To help in assessing the success of the process, we have asked multinational executives to share with our readers their insights about their business achievements in the past few years and further expectations in the years to come.

Q1 What's your view on the just-concluded two sessions? Do you expect any specific policy measures for further deepening reforms and expanding high-standard opening-up? What more should China do to create a more enabling business environment for foreign investors?

MA: For over three decades, VF's growth has benefitted from China's economic development, progressive reforms and market expansion. VF's iconic outdoor, active sports and work-wear brands are being offered to an expanding consumer base at over 1,500 mono-brand stores across the Chinese market.

Economic fluctuations are an inescapable part of any economy, yet China's strong economic management bolsters our confidence in the resilience and long-term potential across the Chinese market. We remain optimistic about China's proactive strategies to maintain effective economic momentum.

The government's 2025 Action Plan for Stabilizing Foreign Investment elevates our confidence about China's commitment to maintaining a favorable business environment for global businesses such as VF.

TAN: This year is pivotal, marking the conclusion of China's 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) period. I eagerly anticipate the policies supporting foreign enterprises introduced during the two sessions. These policies will further drive economic prosperity, bolster business confidence and reinforce China's role as a stabilizing force amid growing global economic uncertainties.

China's commitment to deepening reforms, expanding openness and optimizing the business environment has significantly benefited brand development, including Skechers. We anticipate additional concrete policy measures, such as streamlining administrative approval processes, lowering tariffs and strengthening intellectual property protections. These measures will improve the convenience and confidence of foreign enterprises operating in China.

The effectiveness of China's recent policies to further optimize the foreign investment environment and intensify efforts to attract global capital are fairly clear.

DONG: As China enters a new phase of economic development, we welcome the policies outlined during the two sessions that further deepen reforms and enhance high-level opening-up. We hope to see continued support for foreign investment in high-tech industries, green energy, advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence, reinforcing China's position as a global innovation hub. At Avnet, with 30 years in the Chinese mainland and 104 years of global expertise, we believe a more enabling business environment can be achieved through streamlined import regulations, enhanced logistics efficiency and policies that encourage foreign enterprises to establish regional R&D centers. By fostering greater collaboration and ensuring a stable, transparent policy framework, China can further attract long-term investment and drive innovation-led growth.

LING: As a chemical company with methacrylate verbund facilities in China, Roehm's portfolio fits well into China's dynamic market and has long benefited from the country's continuously improving business environment. Amid current economic challenges, we expect China to continue prioritizing economic stability and growth, with a focus on high-quality development and innovation. It is also important for the government to further enhance the effectiveness of its opening-up platforms and improve the policy support system.