China Giving MNCs Strategic Forte

Ahead of China's first-half 2026 economic data release, China Daily invited executives from key multinational companies to share their perspectives on the world's second-largest economy. The discussions reveal a shift from the "China Shock 2.0" narrative to "China Opportunity 2.0," as companies expand investments and operations in the country.

Everllence
Prasannan, from Everllence, emphasized China's role as a key market for green innovation and industrial-chain collaboration. Despite delays in the IMO Net-Zero Framework review, China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) provides rare policy certainty. Joint milestones include CMD's record-setting methanol engine and the 2,000th dual-fuel engine order with COSCO Shipping Lines.

Payoneer
Cheng noted that China is no longer just a market to enter but a source of innovation. Chinese SMEs are moving beyond selling products overseas to building businesses across multiple markets, creating demand for global payments, compliance, and technology services. Payoneer sees China as a strategic hub for product innovation and ecosystem building.

Evonik
Xia highlighted China as an integrated platform of innovation, infrastructure, and talent. Evonik brought several projects into operation in the first half, including a hydrogen peroxide plant in Leshan, a specialty amine expansion in Nanjing, an AEM technology center for green hydrogen, and an Asia Beauty Science & Innovation Center in Shanghai. These reflect confidence in China's market potential.

AkzoNobel
Yin stressed that China's vast market serves as a testbed for technological innovation, fostering cooperation and synergy. AkzoNobel upholds "Innovate in China, for China, share globally," expanding its local R&D footprint to address domestic needs while benefiting global businesses.

The interviews underscore that China's policy direction, continued opening-up, and industrial demand are sending strong positive signals, positioning it as a critical engine for global growth.