SHANGHAI, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- In a landscape shaped by geopolitical tensions and rising trade protectionism, foreign businesses are reinforcing their commitments to China as 2025 approaches.

This trend reflects the substantial appeal of the Chinese market for global companies seeking to maintain competitiveness.

Recently, U.S. automaker Tesla inaugurated its Megafactory in Shanghai, marking the company’s foray into the production of energy storage batteries.

Concurrently, Toyota has declared its intention to establish a wholly owned electric vehicle manufacturing facility in the eastern economic center of China.

In a further sign of confidence in the market, Siemens Healthineers commenced construction of a new manufacturing and research facility in Shenzhen this January.

The rationale behind these investments underscores China's status as a vital market with considerable growth potential.

Following a record gross domestic product (GDP) figure of 134.91 trillion yuan (approximately 18.81 trillion U.S. dollars) in 2024, China reported a year-on-year growth rate of 5 percent.

Recognized as the world's second-largest economy, the vast market size presents opportunities difficult to replicate elsewhere.

China's supply chain has become increasingly sophisticated, supported by a competitive and advanced manufacturing ecosystem that continues to attract high-value, technology-intensive investments.

The country’s large and skilled labor force, particularly in engineering, further enhances multinational corporations' confidence in establishing global research and development operations within its borders.

As China evolves into an innovation hub, key industries—such as electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries—are experiencing rapid advancement.

The government is actively building a modern industrial system capable of nurturing new productive forces, creating additional prospects for international businesses.

In its commitment to maintaining openness and fostering cooperation, China has been gradually enhancing market access for foreign investors.

Recent years have seen the implementation of significant reforms, including the reduction of the negative list for foreign investment, the removal of restrictions on foreign investment in manufacturing, and the expansion of unilateral openings for least-developed countries.

These reforms contributed to a 9.9 percent increase in the number of newly established foreign-funded enterprises in 2023.

Looking ahead, the Chinese government has made high-standard economic openness a strategic priority for 2025. An executive meeting of the State Council recently approved an action plan to stabilize foreign investment in 2024, emphasizing the provision of practical and effective measures designed to attract foreign capital and enhance the business environment.

Despite external challenges, including the politicization of economic and trade issues in Western countries and a sluggish global investment landscape, China's high-level openness, economic dynamism, and expanding consumer base continue to position it as a premier destination for investment.

The 2024 Kearney Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Index, which gauges investor expectations for foreign direct investment (FDI) over the next three years, has shown that China has climbed in rankings—from seventh to third place globally, surpassing all emerging markets.

This growth resonates with sentiment expressed by many multinational executives: "The next China is still China." In an era characterized by uncertainty, the strategic importance of investing in China remains a salient consideration for businesses worldwide.