Transformative opportunities for MNCs

Editor's Note: As China steps up efforts to boost domestic demand and drive consumption-led growth, multinational corporations are uniquely positioned to seize the opportunities presented by this transformative period. China Daily examines how these companies are aligning with China's new round of high-standard opening-up policies, embracing emerging tech innovation trends, and expanding their presence in a market that increasingly values high-quality development and upgraded consumption.

Q1

Driving domestic consumption is a top priority for China's economic growth this year. With the country placing greater emphasis on consumption-led development, how is your company adapting its products, services, or localization strategies to meet evolving domestic demand and shifting consumer preferences?

ZHOU: China's vast and robust consumer market offers multinational corporations many opportunities, fueled by diversified demand drivers and significant growth potential.

As part of our continued diversification strategy in China, and having observed growing and shifting demand for natural ingredients for functional foods, nutraceuticals, personal care products and other nonfood industrial applications, we have focused on offering premium-quality, traceable and sustainably produced plant-based ingredients. Today, thanks to our improved processing capabilities, we are successfully supplying Chinese customers with a variety of products, including lecithin, glycerin, pea protein, Vitamin E and edible oils.

BUURMA: It is clear that demand in China is evolving — consumers are increasingly purchasing online, purchasing products that are more sustainable, and purchasing products that are more functional. Covering a wide range of sectors, our trade fairs are primarily business-to-business, but many of our buyers supply to end consumers. And our buyers' purchasing behavior indicates that sustainability and functionality are top priorities for many consumers in China.

For example, sustainability is very prominent at two of our flagship fairs: Automechanika Shanghai has a huge focus on the new energy vehicle supply chain, while Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics spotlights a range of green material and process innovations. Meanwhile, products with added functionality, interwoven with sustainability, are more and more readily showcased at our home textiles and consumer goods shows.

YIN: Having operated in the Chinese mainland for 38 years, the country has become Schneider Electric's second-largest market in the world. We are pleased to see booming domestic consumption in China, which will serve as a key driving force for overall economic development.

Schneider Electric has been empowering Chinese industries to accelerate their transformation toward digitization and sustainability through our leading technologies and expertise. In particular, we support key consumer industries such as food and beverage, biopharmaceuticals, and electronics with our comprehensive digital solutions and services. This enables enterprises to enhance efficiency, save energy, and improve the traceability, intelligence, and safety of their products. As a result, we help to meet the rising Chinese consumption market demands with higher quality and greener products.

CHENG: Valvoline Global Operations, an affiliate of Aramco with a heritage spanning nearly 160 years, combines global expertise with localized innovation in automotive and industrial solutions. We closely monitor the evolving domestic demand in China, leveraging data-driven insights to provide local consumer-centric solutions and services. For example, we have tailored product features and packaging to better meet the aesthetic and functional needs of Chinese markets. To further enhance consumer engagement, we launched marketing activities that incorporate our prestigious sponsorships of F1, CBA and FIFA World Cup 2026. Our localization strategy goes beyond product adaptation. Five years ago, we opened a plant in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu province. It enables efficient and diverse production to meet market needs.

TAN: Skechers has always adhered to the principle of "In China, For China" and is confident in the Chinese market. We are committed to developing comfortable, innovative, stylish and quality products at a reasonable price, and 90 percent of Skechers China products are made in China.

Riding on China's push to revive consumer spending and tap its vast domestic market, we are keen to boost Chinese consumers' brand affinity by expanding product portfolio, elevating store aesthetics, organizing experience campaigns and intensifying localized marketing.

Looking ahead to the second half of 2025, we will intensify efforts to align with national strategic priorities and enhance the resilience of our local industrial chain, supporting China's efforts to stabilize foreign investment.