Michael Cheng, President of RX Greater China, says China remains a critical hub in global manufacturing and supply chains, supported by its integrated industrial ecosystem, resilient economy, and expanding domestic market.

China's GDP grew 5.0% in 2025 and 4.7% in the first half of 2026, reinforcing its position as a key market for both domestic and international businesses. According to Cheng, China's scale, manufacturing depth, and ability to adapt to changing global trade patterns continue to make it an essential part of the international production network.

"The most important point is that China continues to offer something very few economies can match: a highly integrated industrial ecosystem and an enormous domestic market," Cheng said. "That makes China an essential node in the global production network."

Cheng noted that nearly 4,800 foreign-funded enterprises expanded their investments in China during the first half of 2026, highlighting sustained confidence in the country's long-term growth potential and innovation capabilities.

In response to evolving global trade dynamics, RX Greater China is accelerating its international expansion through a broader exhibition strategy designed to strengthen cross-border industrial collaboration and supply chain connectivity. Under the theme "Resilient Connections, Shared Future," the company expanded its outbound exhibition portfolio from three editions in 2025 to seven in 2026.

Among the company's recent initiatives is Industrial Technology World Asia in Vietnam (ITWA@Vietnam), which debuted in Hanoi in August 2026 and supports Vietnam's growing manufacturing sector. RX Greater China also launched Bakery ASEAN in Jakarta, marking the first international edition of Bakery China in nearly three decades.

The company continues to strengthen its footprint across Southeast Asia through events including WEPSEA in Indonesia and tHIS ASEAN in Malaysia, while its consumer business expands into Indonesia, Vietnam, and South Korea. Cheng said each market serves different business objectives, from market entry and supply-chain integration to brand development.

At the same time, RX Greater China is supporting innovation through industry platforms that connect global buyers, suppliers, policymakers, and technology leaders. This includes Guangzhou Automotive Productivity Conference 2026, which will focus on applications for deeper digitalization, industrial artificial intelligence, and embodied intelligence. The conference complements other RX-led initiatives such as ROBOTECH, focused on embodied intelligence robotics, and BIOHK, which brings together biotechnology companies, researchers, investors, and commercial partners.

Looking ahead, Cheng expects China's strategic focus on intelligent manufacturing, robotics, and biomedicine to create further opportunities for collaboration and growth. He emphasized that modern exhibitions have evolved beyond product showcases into platforms that help transform industries by connecting businesses, innovation, and investment.

"In the past, an exhibition was mainly a window for display. Now it is a strategic bridge that connects global buyers, suppliers, policymakers, innovators and end users. The value is no longer only in transactions, but in turning connection into broader transformation and progress."