China's Ministry of Commerce

American companies in China have recognized the improvement in China's economy and the continuous improvement of the business environment, which reflects the confidence of those investing in China and deepening their roots here, China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) spokesperson He Yadong said at a regular press conference on Thursday, referring to the results of the latest report from the American Chamber of Commerce in China (AmCham China).

About half of US companies surveyed view China as a top three global priority despite challenges such as tense China-US relations, the AmCham in Beijing said on February 1.

Specifically, this year, 50 percent of AmCham China members consider China a top three investment priority, up 5 percentage points on a yearly basis. The majority of US companies will continue their presence in China, with 77 percent saying that they have no plan to transfer production or procurement out of China, the chamber said on its website.

Almost all the US companies surveyed said that China-US relations are important, and nearly 30 percent expect bilateral relations to improve in 2024, according to the report.

In responding to media inquiries for comment on the report, the MOFCOM spokesperson said that the results of the corresponding report are another example of China remaining a prime destination for global investment.

At the same time, the ministry also notes that American companies in China have considered the "tense China-US relations" as the biggest operational challenge for four consecutive years, which precisely reflects the eager anticipation of the business community for stable development in the bilateral relations, He said.

China is willing to work with the US to earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, fully leverage the role of multi-level communication mechanisms between the Chinese and American commerce departments, the spokesperson said.

Also, China is willing to promote mutually beneficial cooperation with the US, effectively manage differences, and create a favorable environment for pragmatic cooperation between the business communities of the two countries, He said.

China-US relations have achieved positive outcomes amid the intensive business interactions over the recent past. This week, a US Chamber of Commerce delegation led by the chamber's President and CEO Suzanne Clark visited China, and they are meeting with senior Chinese government officials and local business leaders.

China and the US are continuing to step up engagement, which analysts said would provide much-needed confidence for businesses in both countries and the international community amid increasing global challenges.

Global Times