Business · Companies · 12 hrs ago
Multinational firms see China as a hub for innovation and global growth
At the China International Import Expo in Shanghai, multinational companies said China is becoming more than a place to sell their products.
They see it as a place to develop and test new technologies, then bring them to market quickly.
The expo featured a record number of products making their global, Asian or China debut, including in advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence.
Companies said China’s industrial networks and research partnerships help them turn ideas into products.
Dow said its Shanghai research centre has more than 80 laboratories and over 300 scientists working on innovation for global markets.
Schneider Electric and Nissan also described using work done in China to support their business around the world.
The companies’ statements point to China playing a larger role in global innovation, though no new plans or timelines were announced.
Multinational companies say China is an important base for innovation and global growth, as well as a major market.
Executives describe China as a place where new technologies can be developed, tested, scaled and brought to market quickly.
Companies also point to China’s industrial supply chains and research partnerships as support for innovation.
Several firms say work developed in China contributes to their business in other markets.
The ninth China International Import Expo opened in Shanghai on November 5.
- Who
- Executives from multinational companies, including Toshiba, Dow, Schneider Electric, Intel and Nissan, discussed China’s role.
- What
- They described China as a market and base for innovation, technology development and global business growth.
- When
- The report was published on November 8, 2026; the expo opened on November 5.
- Where
- The ninth China International Import Expo in Shanghai, including interviews held during the event.
- Why
- The companies said China’s innovation capacity, industrial ecosystem and ability to scale new technologies support their global businesses.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The ninth China International Import Expo opened at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai.
US-China Business Council President Tan Senn said China’s innovation capacity was especially important to US companies.
China News Service published its report on multinational companies’ views of China as an innovation and growth hub.
- Expo
- Ninth China International Import Expo
- Expo opening
- November 5, 2026
- Dow research centre
- Shanghai; more than 80 laboratories and over 300 scientists
- Schneider Electric research bases
- Shanghai, Beijing, Xi’an, Wuxi and Shenzhen
- Nissan strategy
- In China, for the world
1 source
What people are saying
For American companies, the Chinese market is important, and China’s innovation capacity is even more important.
The Chinese market can not only promote innovation quickly, but also rapidly scale up innovation results and bring them to market.
Our strategy of “in China, for the world” clearly positions China as a global innovation and export base.
China has a complete industrial chain, with innovation resources from companies, universities and research institutions gathered together, providing good conditions for technology research and industrial collaboration.