Foreign companies remain confident in China's growth under 15th Five-Year Plan

Aerial photo shows China-Europe freight trains awaiting departure at Manzhouli Station, operated by China Railway Harbin Group Co., Ltd., in Manzhouli, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Feb. 26, 2026. (Photo by Huang Xu/Xinhua)

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), China's GDP crossed successive thresholds, topping 110 trillion yuan (about $15.8 trillion), 120 trillion yuan, 130 trillion yuan and 140 trillion yuan, with an average annual growth rate of 5.4 percent, well above the global average.

The 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) once again presents the world with a transparent, stable and predictable vision for development. With China's economy on a more solid footing, moving along a clearer growth trajectory and showing stronger resilience, a growing number of foreign companies have reached the same conclusion: to take root in China and pursue shared development.

Lin Chunmei, vice president of Corning Incorporated and president and general manager of Corning Greater China, told People's Daily Online that China's 15th Five-Year Plan focuses on promoting high-quality development by cultivating new quality productive forces and achieving greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology.

The plan also sets out clear objectives for expanding high-standard opening up, advancing institutional opening up and aligning with international rules, Lin said. This not only charts a course for China's economic growth but also creates fresh opportunities for multinational companies to grow alongside Chinese industries.

"DHL Express has long been bullish on the Chinese market, and our commitment to investing here remains firm," said Wu Dongming, CEO for China at DHL Express, the German logistics service provider, in an interview with People's Daily Online.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of DHL Express operations in China. Over four decades, the company has witnessed and actively contributed to China's economic rise and integration into the global economy, Wu noted.

"Looking ahead to the 15th Five-Year Plan period, we will continue to deepen our investment, strengthen our service capabilities and provide solid support for Chinese companies going global," Wu said.

Anna An, president of Henkel Greater China, said the Chinese market has demonstrated remarkable resilience and long-term growth potential, and the company is fully confident in China's economic development during the 15th Five-Year Plan period.

The year 2026 marks both the 150th anniversary of Henkel's founding and the company's 55th year in China. An said the company would continue investing in local innovation, manufacturing and talent development, deepening its localization efforts in line with the high-quality development goals of the 15th Five-Year Plan.

What is the source of this confidence among foreign firms in China?

Liu Yunfeng, executive vice president of Volkswagen Group China, told People's Daily Online that China's vast domestic market remains a powerful draw. The country's advantages in industrial capacity, infrastructure and innovation form a combination that is difficult for other economies to match, Liu noted, adding that these advantages constitute a solid foundation for China's long-term economic development.

In a world marked by changes and turbulence, rising unilateralism and protectionism, and a sluggish global recovery, certainty has become a scarce resource. Against that backdrop, China continues to contribute around 30 percent of global economic growth, serving as a reliable anchor of stability.

China remains committed to joining hands rather than throwing punches, removing barriers rather than erecting walls, and promoting connectivity rather than decoupling. The country continues to embrace the world with open arms, offering a steady and reliable source of certainty. As the 15th Five-Year Plan gets underway, China stands ready to work with all countries to share in its development opportunities and chart a path toward shared global prosperity.