MNCs share optimistic outlook on China market

Q3 China's top policymakers have pledged greater efforts to attract foreign capital, widen market access, promote further opening-up of modern service industries and ensure a level playing field for both domestic and foreign companies. In this context, what measures do you expect this year? Will you draw up new plans for investment, hiring and business expansion in China?

POIROT: China's government officials have reiterated the country's commitment to prioritizing development and market-oriented reform. I expect that the measures taken would cover fronts like formulating preferential industrial and technological policies, expanding domestic demand, leveraging international innovation capabilities, encouraging low-carbon and sustainable industries, and driving the integrated development of key regions such as the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.

In 2022, despite many challenges, Air Liquide delivered solid growth in China and made another record number of investment decisions. We will take advantage of the business opportunities arising from these measures and continue to expand our partnerships with local stakeholders in the sectors of new energy, medical care, electronics, high-tech and innovation.

XIA: We welcome China's further opening-up of its market and look forward to initiatives that widen market access and promote closer international cooperation. We believe cooperation will lead to more innovation, bringing growth and shared prosperity. Evonik has been advocating close collaboration along the value chain so as to develop solutions at a faster pace. For example, at our first global lithium-ion battery center, which opened last year in Shanghai, we are able to run joint development programs with local customers to support the fast-growing battery and electric vehicle industry. Expansion of the center is already on the plan.

XIE: As an exhibitor at the China International Import Expo for five consecutive years, Vale is firmly convinced of China's determination to consistently promote high-standard opening-up. We think it's very admirable for China to share market opportunities with the rest of the world, which fully demonstrates China's role and responsibility as the world's second-largest economy. Holding a long-term commitment to the China market, we will continue to put China at the center of our business strategy.

AGARWAL: These measures will deliver broad and ongoing opportunities for Henkel, which has long been committed to the Chinese market, allowing us to attract and develop talent both locally and globally. Our new inspiration center in Shanghai, which will be the second-largest Henkel facility of its kind in the world, and the new R&D center in Shanghai focusing on consumer brands, which is scheduled to open this year, are two recent examples of our commitment to the market where Henkel's strong local innovation team will bring leading technologies and solutions that support rapidly evolving industries for China and the world.

MACCORMAC: In 2022, we established Beijing Aero Engine Services Co Ltd, a new 50/50 joint venture with Air China, which will provide maintenance, repair and overhaul for Rolls-Royce Trent 700, Trent XWB-84 and Trent 1000 aero engines. This joint venture is an important part of Rolls-Royce's strategy for China in terms of giving customers the best level of service, improving the cost-competitiveness of our business and generating incremental MRO capacity as shop visits grow. When the company reaches its full capacity, which is expected to be in the mid-2030s, up to 800 new jobs will be created locally.