China giving MNCs strategic forte
As China's first-half 2026 economic data release approaches, multinational corporations (MNCs) are increasingly viewing the country as a strategic asset rather than a threat. In a recent China Daily interview, executives from leading global firms outlined how China's evolving ecosystem is fostering innovation, sustainability, and mutual growth.
Everllence: Green innovation and policy certainty
From Everllence's perspective, China is a key market for green innovation, industrial-chain collaboration, and global net-zero solutions. Despite a delayed IMO Net-Zero Framework review and a dip in dual-fuel engine orders, China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) offers rare policy clarity. Joint milestones include CMD's record-setting methanol engine and the 2,000th dual-fuel engine order with COSCO Shipping Lines.
Payoneer: China as a source of global growth
Payoneer's CEO noted that China is increasingly becoming a source of innovation and global growth. Chinese SMEs are moving beyond exports to building multi-market businesses, creating demand for global payments, compliance, and tech services. For Payoneer, China serves as a strategic hub for product and service development, embodying 'China Opportunity 2.0'.
Evonik: Integrated platform for innovation
Evonik's Xia emphasized that China is no longer just a market or manufacturing base but an integrated platform combining innovation, infrastructure, talent, and industrial ecosystems. In the first half of 2026, Evonik commissioned a hydrogen peroxide plant in Leshan, expanded specialty amine production in Nanjing, and opened an AEM technology center for green hydrogen and the Asia Beauty Science & Innovation Center in Shanghai.
AkzoNobel: Innovation and local R&D
AkzoNobel's Yin highlighted China's vast application scenarios as a natural testbed for tech innovation. China serves as a core innovation hub and growth engine for the company. Following the 'Innovate in China, for China, share globally' principle, AkzoNobel continues to expand its local R&D footprint to serve domestic needs while benefiting global operations.
These perspectives illustrate that China's opportunities for MNCs are now driven by policy stability, digital capabilities, and a mature industrial base, reshaped the narrative from 'shock' to strategic advantage.