BEIJING — China’s Minister of Commerce, Wang Wentao, has underscored the nation’s commitment to attracting foreign investment despite global economic uncertainties. In a series of recent meetings with top executives from international companies, Wang emphasized China’s long-term economic stability and its policies designed to nurture business growth.
On Monday, Wang met with Guillaume Faury, CEO of Airbus, as part of a broader effort by the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) to foster closer ties with foreign enterprises. The latest meeting reflects a surge in such engagements, with nearly 30 business representatives from around the world meeting with MOFCOM officials throughout March.
Wang, addressing the challenges posed by the global economic environment, expressed confidence in China’s ability to continue its trajectory of steady growth. He highlighted that China’s robust resilience, vast potential, and rich vitality remain key factors in its economic performance. He also reassured investors that China’s trade policies, particularly with partners like the EU, would remain stable and supportive.
“The policies we’ve implemented and our long-term goals for growth remain unchanged despite any external fluctuations,” Wang said. “We hope companies like Airbus will seize the opportunity to increase their investments in China, deepen industrial collaborations, and deliver more high-quality products and services.”
Airbus, which has a significant footprint in China, echoed Wang’s optimism. Faury reaffirmed the company’s commitment to expanding its operations in China, stating that the firm is focused on strengthening its presence and boosting investments. However, he also emphasized the importance of a stable tariff environment, expressing concerns about the potential impact of shifting trade policies.
In another high-profile meeting, Wang also spoke with Merlin Swire, CEO of UK-based Swire Group. During the discussion, Wang highlighted the immense growth potential of China’s consumer market and the country’s ongoing efforts to boost domestic consumption through targeted policies. Swire shared the company’s positive outlook, noting a strong recovery in its business segments across China.
These engagements are part of a broader initiative by MOFCOM to attract foreign investment. On March 8, Chinese Vice Commerce Minister Ling Ji co-chaired a roundtable with more than 20 foreign-invested companies, including Volkswagen, Starbucks, and Sony. The representatives at this meeting lauded China’s well-established supply chains, its rich innovation ecosystem, and the business-friendly environment in cities like Beijing.
Experts note that China’s large economic scale, steady development, and comprehensive policy support remain key drivers of its appeal to foreign investors. Song Guoyou, Deputy Director of the Center for American Studies at Fudan University, explained that China’s consistent development strategy, paired with policies favoring foreign investment, positions the country as an attractive destination for international enterprises.
The 2025 Government Work Report further solidified China’s commitment to welcoming foreign businesses. The report highlighted efforts to ensure “national treatment” for foreign-funded enterprises, offering favorable conditions across various sectors, from production factors to government procurement processes.
In line with its goal of high-quality opening-up, China has already seen significant investment in sectors such as high-tech industries. Data from MOFCOM reveals that the first two months of 2025 saw the establishment of 7,574 new foreign-invested enterprises, representing a 5.8% increase year-on-year. Notably, the actual utilization of foreign investment in high-tech industries reached 52.49 billion yuan ($7.26 billion), with sectors like e-commerce services and smart consumer device manufacturing seeing substantial growth.
In the wake of these initiatives, international companies are responding with concrete actions. Beto Abreau, CEO of Suzano, the world’s largest market pulp producer, announced plans to increase the company’s investment in China, focusing on bio-based material applications, logistics infrastructure, and local partnerships.
China’s appeal remains strong across nearly all sectors, especially high-end manufacturing and services, which continue to attract substantial foreign capital. With its strategic positioning, extensive market, and ongoing support for innovation, China looks set to remain a key player in the global investment landscape.
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