China remains a source of opportunity for global companies

What the report says

The Independent Uganda’s commentary says China remains an important destination for global companies as the ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE) opens in Shanghai this week. The piece says the event will host 4,142 overseas exhibitors, including more than 300 Fortune Global 500 companies and industry leaders, while over 2,000 companies are taking part for the first time.

The article argues that China’s appeal goes beyond the expo itself, pointing to a resilient economy, a broad industrial base and a growing innovation environment. It cites official Chinese data that the economy grew 4.6 percent year on year in the first three quarters of 2026, and notes continued foreign investment activity, including rising high-tech investment and thousands of new foreign-funded enterprises.

Several company examples are used to illustrate the argument. BASF’s large production base in Guangdong is presented as evidence of long-term confidence in the Chinese market. Airbus, Honeywell, Sanofi, Adient and HP are also mentioned as firms working with Chinese suppliers or using China-based operations to support production, research and product development.

The commentary says the CIIE serves as a platform for overseas and Chinese businesses to build partnerships. It frames China not only as a sales market and manufacturing hub, but increasingly as a place where foreign companies can innovate and expand their global operations.