People's Daily: Foreign Enterprises in China Eye the "15th Five-Year Plan" — Taking Root in China is the Path to Growth

On February 26, the China-Europe Railway Express was waiting for departure at Manzhouli Station, China Railway Harbin Bureau Group Co., Ltd. (drone photo). Source: Xinhua News Agency

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, China’s economy surpassed four hundred trillion yuan thresholds in succession—110 trillion, 120 trillion, 130 trillion, 140 trillion yuan—leading the world’s major economies with an average annual GDP growth rate of 5.4%.

The 15th Five-Year Plan once again outlines a transparent, stable, and predictable development blueprint for the world. China’s economic foundation for stability is stronger, the momentum for progress is more evident, and resilience features are more prominent. An increasing number of foreign-invested companies are reaching a consensus: rooted in China, jointly seeking development.

Lin Chunmei, Vice President of Corning Inc. and President and General Manager of Corning Greater China, told People’s Daily that China’s 15th Five-Year Plan focuses on high-quality development, emphasizing the development of new productive forces and accelerating high-level technological independence and self-reliance. It also clearly states the need to expand high-level opening-up, promote institutional openness, and align rules, which not only points the way for China’s economic growth but also creates new opportunities for multinational corporations and Chinese industry collaboration.

“DHL Express remains optimistic about and committed to investing in the Chinese market long-term,” said Wu Dongming, CEO of DHL Express China, in an interview with People’s Daily. This year marks the 40th anniversary of DHL’s operations in China. “Over the past 40 years, we have witnessed and deeply participated in China’s economic takeoff and globalization process. Looking ahead to the 15th Five-Year Plan, we will continue to deepen investments and optimize service capabilities to provide solid support for Chinese companies’ globalization.”

Anna, President of Henkel Greater China, believes, “The Chinese market demonstrates strong resilience and long-term growth potential. We are confident in China’s economic development during the 15th Five-Year Plan period.” 2026 will mark Henkel’s 150th anniversary and 55 years of development in China. Anna stated that Henkel will continue investing in local innovation, manufacturing, and talent development, strengthening localization capabilities to jointly embark on a new journey of high-quality development during China’s 15th Five-Year Plan.

Where does foreign companies’ confidence in China come from?

Liu Yunfeng, Executive Vice President of Volkswagen Group China, told People’s Daily that China’s advantage as a super-large market remains evident. Its comprehensive industrial system, infrastructure, and innovation capacity are difficult for other economies to replicate, forming a solid foundation for long-term economic development.

In a context of global turmoil, rising unilateralism and protectionism, and sluggish global economic recovery, certainty has become a scarce resource. The World Economic Forum’s recent “Global Risks Report 2026” shows that uncertainty is the key risk facing the world in 2026. China’s contribution to global economic growth remains around 30%, continuing to serve as the world’s strongest “stability anchor.”

Insisting on “handshakes” rather than “fist-shaking”—proposing global development, security, civilization, and governance initiatives, and promoting a more just and equitable global governance system; sharing the benefits of the Belt and Road cooperation with over 150 countries; providing 100% tariff-free treatment for all least developed countries’ products that have diplomatic relations with China; and gradually expanding the scope of unilateral visa exemptions…

Insisting on “breaking walls” rather than “building barriers”—continuously reducing negative lists for foreign investment access, fully “zeroing out” restrictions on foreign investment in manufacturing, and opening pilot projects in value-added telecommunications, biotechnology, wholly foreign-owned hospitals, and other fields…

Insisting on “connecting” rather than “decoupling”—establishing 22 free trade pilot zones, officially launching the Hainan Free Trade Port with full island closure; building international economic and trade cooperation platforms such as the China International Import Expo, Canton Fair, and China International Fair for Trade in Services, sharing development opportunities with the world…

“Dreaming of mountains and seas, unaware of their distance; walking forward steadily on the long road ahead.”

China continues to open its arms to the world, injecting continuous certainty into global development. At the start of the 15th Five-Year Plan, China will work with countries worldwide to share development opportunities and jointly pursue global prosperity.

(Author: Liu Yeting, People’s Daily reporters; Wang Yuheng, Gu Yutong, Zhong Wenxing contributed to the report)