中国经商报告

Table of ContentsMessage From the ChairMessage From ACBCForewordKey FindingsAbout the 2025 SurveyImproved Bilateral Relations andthe Impact on Australia-ChinaBusinessesBusiness EnvironmentBusiness PerformanceBusiness OpportunityImpact of Australia’s ForeignInvestment SettingsBusiness Risks and ChallengesChina’s Economic and PolicyOutlookSurvey Methodology 46810142024283246525864 4 | DOING BUSINESS IN CHINA Message from the ChairIt is a pleasure to present the2025 Doing Business in Chinareport — the most comprehensive edition yet, capturingresponses from more than 850 companies, both foreignand Chinese, operating across a wide range of sectors andgeographies. This report provides a timely and valuablebenchmark for business sentiment, commercial priorities, andperceived risks in the China market.Importantly, the datawas collected prior to theannouncement of sweeping UStrade measures on 2 April 2025,which have since escalatedtensions between the US andChina. As such, this reportcaptures business sentimentand commercial positioningat a moment of relativestability — and highlightswhat Australia stands to loseshould external disruptionsbegin to erode the confidencereflected here. At the sametime, Australian businesseswill be closely monitoring howthese global shifts may opennew opportunities in areas likeenergy, agriculture, and greensupply chains, where Australia’sstrengths and China’s evolvingneeds may increasingly align.The topline message isclear: despite complexity,companies remain committedto China. Nearly 70 percent ofrespondents rank China amongtheir top three global investmentpriorities, and over half plan toexpand geographically withinChina over the next three years.This includes both foreign andChinese firms targeting newcities and regions to captureemerging market opportunities. Diplomatic improvements aredelivering tangible benefits.Nearly half of foreign firms(45 percent) report that doingbusiness in China has becomeeasier, and nearly 90 percentexpress a positive sentimentabout the improved Australia–China relationship. These gainsare translating into increasedexports, greater market access,and stronger partnerships withChinese counterparts.Challenges persist on bothsides of the corridor. In China,companies continue to navigateregulatory complexity, economicuncertainty, and geopoliticalrisks, with one-third of foreignfirms still finding the businessenvironment difficult — downfrom 58 percent in 2022. Nearlyhalf report having initiatedor expanded supply chaindiversification strategies tomanage risks.Despite these challenges,61 percent of foreign firmsindicate that governmentengagement and regulatoryoversight have had a positiveimpact on their operations,suggesting opportunities forconstructive dialogue andalignment. This is furtherunderscored by the findingthat the second highest areaof planned investment after“geographic expansion” is in“government affairs”, as firms the right policy settings andstrategic partnerships, thesesectors could serve as anchorsfor future growth.The lesson from this report— and from my recentconversations with businessesin China and Australia — is thatcompanies are not disengaging.They are adapting, weighingnew risks, and seeking trustedpartners and institutions to helpnavigate forward.The China-Australia Chamberof Commerce (AustChamChina) remains ready tosupport this next chapterof engagement: grounded,informed, and focused oncommercial outcomes. Whetherit’s advocating for a predictableregulatory environment,connecting members toemerging opportunities, orproviding strategic insights onpolicies, our role has never beenmore relevant.Thank you to all the businessesthat contributed to this report. Iencourage you to read it closelyand use it as a foundation forthoughtful action in a fast-changing global environment.Vaughn BarberChair, AustCham China seek to navigate evolvingregulatory frameworks andalign their strategies withpolicy priorities.The survey also highlightsgrowing frustration withAustralia’s foreign investmentsettings — particularly amongthose seeking to attract Chinesecapital into sectors alignedwith Australia’s own strategicpriorities, such as clean energy,critical minerals, advancedmanufacturing, and healthcare.Businesses were clear: theissue is not just regulation,but a lack of transparency,clarity, predictability, andcommercial timeframes inAustralia’s Foreign InvestmentReview Board (FIRB) process.This uncertainty is deterringinvestment — even in areaswhere Chinese expertise andcapital could support Australia’seconomic resilience andtransition. Clearer guidance onwhere investment is welcome,and how national interestis assessed, would unlockopportunities currently left onthe table.Nearly 60 percent of foreignfirms are bullish on China’smarket opportunities overthe next two years, withclean energy technologiesand agribusiness and foodproducts emerging as themost promising sectors. With 6 | DOING BUSINESS IN CHINA This report stands out for its clarity and