With their domestic profits narrowing and production capacity expanding, China’s firms are continuing to widen their overseas footprints in search of new, more lucrative markets. In this series, we examine China Inc.’s next phase of “going global” and the complex, challenging international environment its companies have chosen to enter.
The “Made in China” label has evolved considerably in recent decades. Mostly found affixed to low-cost goods of relative simplicity in China’s early years as a manufacturing powerhouse, it can now be seen on a multitude of sophisticated, high-value products from an array of companies that have become formidable competitors to some of the world’s wealthiest multinational firms.
In this explainer, the Post examines the current global footprint of China Inc. as the country’s companies seek leadership roles – or have already taken them – in numerous industries, including the highly complex and technologically advanced sectors of tomorrow.
In the driver’s seat
To date, eight out of the country’s 10 largest carmakers have announced overseas investment plans this year – including factories – spanning at least 15 countries, according to calculations made by the Post.
