Barings executives bullish on China's potential for economic growth

At a recent seminar hosted by Tsinghua University PBC School of Finance, senior executives from global asset manager, Barings, expressed confidence in the country's continued pursuit of high-quality development and long-term stability, saying that China's steady policy direction and growing innovation capabilities are creating new opportunities for global markets.

Martin Horne, co-head of global investments at Barings, said the Chinese market remains one of the most promising destinations for long-term investors. "China's asset management industry still has vast room for growth," Horne said, adding that Barings, which established its Shanghai office in 2018 after decades in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, remains fully committed to deepening cooperation with the Chinese market.

Li Weibo, Barings' economist and multi-asset strategist, said that since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25), China has made solid progress in pursuing "higher-quality, more structurally driven growth". He said that the forthcoming 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) is expected to reinforce this direction with greater focus on strategic self-reliance, innovation, and sustainable development.

"China's long-term policy continuity provides clarity and confidence for global investors," Li said. "We have a good understanding of China's policy cycles, which allows us to plan ahead."

He added that China's ongoing reforms, including the expansion of real estate investment trusts, the development of green finance, and the introduction of new private-asset products, will open new channels for long-term capital.

When discussing key industrial priorities in the next Five-Year Plan blueprint, both executives highlighted the transformative potential of emerging industries such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and renewable energy.

Horne said China's openness to technological change gives it a unique advantage. "Look at how rapidly e-commerce became part of daily life," he said. "That same spirit of innovation means China can realize the benefits of digital transformation faster than many other economies."

He added that Barings is currently testing about 15 AI-related systems globally. "These technologies are reshaping every aspect of our business," he said.

Li said that while China's policy direction is clear, identifying long-term industrial winners will take time. He said the firm maintains diversified exposure across key sectors of the new industrial revolution — from AI and robotics to renewables — to capture potential growth as the market matures.