Global firms foresee fairer biz environment
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 are your expectations for the ongoing 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?
MA: The recently released 2025 Action Plan for Stabilizing Foreign Investment is a strong signal of China's firm commitment to high-standard opening-up. We're eager to see the detailed supporting measures and timelines that will facilitate the full implementation of the plan. The action plan requires the full abolition of foreign investment access restrictions in the manufacturing sector. In terms of personnel exchanges, we also seek more relaxed policies for foreign talent in China, such as longer and more convenient work visas and residence permits, and a streamlined talent introduction process to help MNCs attract top global talent. Sweden was the first Western country to establish diplomatic ties with China. We propose that China grants a unilateral visa-free policy for Sweden, a move that would significantly boost business confidence and catalyze deeper economic cooperation between the two nations. We expect a fair and competitive business environment secured by institutional guarantees. It would further boost MNCs' confidence in, and commitment to, China.
YU: TotalEnergies' ambition and strategy align perfectly with China's needs, creating a solid foundation for mutual success. Over the years, we have contributed significantly to China's energy transition by supplying LNG, replacing coal, investing in renewable energy, developing CCUS technologies and fostering extensive international partnerships with Chinese companies. Looking ahead, we would like to see more open policies and a better environment for foreign investment to better support our multienergy strategy in China and international energy cooperation. We welcome clear policy signals to deepen cooperation in clean energy sectors such as renewable energy and biomass energy. We firmly believe that China has all the necessary political, economic and industrial resources to drive the energy sector forward and lead the world in a successful energy transition.
SHIH: Rockwell Automation anticipates that the two sessions will bring forward significant measures to strengthen reforms and broaden high-standard opening-up. Specifically, we would appreciate updates that will further encourage foreign companies in the fields of smart manufacturing, sustainability and industrial upgrading. China's initiatives to foster a more enabling business environment would support Rockwell's long-term growth in the market. We also see growing opportunities to collaborate with local partners across various fields to address the industrial and urban challenges together.
OZAWA: We look forward to the two sessions emphasizing policies that optimize the business environment, simplify market entry for foreign-invested enterprises, strengthen intellectual property protection and promote cooperation in the digital economy. These measures are crucial for creating a dynamic and inclusive business environment with Chinese characteristics. Canon expresses confidence in China's continuous pursuit of high-standard opening-up and economic reforms. The recently released 2025 Action Plan for Stabilizing Foreign Investment is encouraging. Canon looks forward to the implementation of this plan, which will provide foreign-invested enterprises with more diversified business development opportunities. We welcome China's efforts to promote equal treatment of foreign-invested and domestic enterprises. This will boost investor confidence and create more opportunities for cooperation.
