Openness, predictability key to investments

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 this year's 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?

DEPOUX: China's economic resilience has been noteworthy, particularly given the global headwinds such as geopolitical tensions and inflationary pressures in the past few years. Yet, resilience is not enough — growth is also a crucial objective for the Chinese economy and society. In the two sessions, policies were established to find a new balance between resilience and growth.

We expect China will further address industrial modernization and technology-driven productivity, decarbonization and consumption. It will continue to reaffirm commitment to openness and predictability for foreign investment. By balancing self-reliance with openness, China can solidify its role as a stabilizing force in global supply chains and climate action, driving sustainable growth.

For foreign investors, predictability and confidence are key: clearer rules and regulations, further opening of market access, strengthened enforcement of intellectual property rights laws and regulations, and stronger incentives for research and development partnerships would attract and retain foreign investment and bridge global best practices with China's innovation ambitions.

WANG: The two sessions represent a pivotal moment for China's continued commitment to high-quality opening-up and reform. At LinkedIn, we're particularly attentive to policies that will shape the business landscape for both foreign enterprises operating in China and Chinese companies expanding globally.

LinkedIn has witnessed China's unwavering support for enterprises "going global". Since formally entering the Chinese mainland market in 2014, we've served as a bridge connecting Chinese businesses with international opportunities, helping them recruit overseas talent and develop global marketing strategies. This decade of experience gives us confidence in China's dedication to fostering a vibrant, internationally integrated business environment.

SIM: This year's two sessions hold great significance amid the rapidly evolving local and global landscape. This year is also the final year of the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), presenting opportunities for reviews and further enhancements.

As an airline connecting Chinese travelers to Singapore and beyond, we look forward to initiatives that will enable freer travel and push for the development of inbound and outbound tourism.

The year 2025 also marks the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Singapore. As an "aerial bridge" between the two countries, we will continue to support and facilitate connections to boost tourism and the economy.

XU: At Cathay Pacific, we are closely aligned with China's 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25), particularly the dual-circulation strategy and commitment to high-quality opening-up. The focus on enhancing Hong Kong's position as a world-class international aviation hub and the integration of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area present significant opportunities for us. As visa processes are simplified, we see growing potential in international tourism and cross-border trade. Cathay believes that a more open and welcoming environment will drive economic growth and strengthen cultural ties between China and the world, allowing us to better connect people and goods globally.