China

China Daily | English | News | Jan. 9, 2026 | UndeterminedBizdev-Partnering

Huajin Aramco Petrochemical Co's fine chemicals and raw materials project in Panjin, Liaoning province, is progressing rapidly with an investment of 83.7 billion yuan ($11.9 billion). This project represents Saudi Arabia's largest investment in China and benefits from strong local government support since its start in March 2023. Northeast China, comprising Liaoning, Jilin, and Heilongjiang provinces, is leveraging its industrial base and supply chains to pursue high-quality development under China's revitalization strategy. The region is seeing improvements in industrial structure, infrastructure, and business environment, attracting multinational investments.

Liaoning authorities recently held a meeting focused on creating a market-oriented, law-based, and international business environment with comprehensive support systems for businesses. Dalian, the largest port city in Northeast China, introduced 15 measures to encourage foreign investors to establish R&D centers, including enhancing R&D convenience, attracting overseas talent, and protecting intellectual property. Prime Planet Energy Dalian, a Japanese-Chinese joint venture, has benefited from these measures, receiving over 8 million yuan in incentives for its 3.7 billion yuan electric vehicle battery project, which moved quickly from contract signing to construction.

Michelin in Shenyang exemplifies long-term multinational investment, having expanded its presence and invested over 12.5 billion yuan since 2010. Shenyang is noted for a growing consumer base, upgrading auto industry, and optimized industrial and business environments. The China-Germany Equipment Manufacturing Industrial Park in Shenyang supports BMW Brilliance's sustainability goals with clean energy heating and provides extensive services for foreign enterprises and employees, including visa, medical, and educational facilities.

These enhancements have helped Michelin establish its largest and most advanced global manufacturing base in Shenyang, a key part of its global supply chain. The region's focus on innovation-driven, sustainable growth offers extensive opportunities for multinational corporations seeking long-term development in China.

Kontainer Durian Beku Indonesia Tiba di Tiongkok, Perkuat Akses Pasar Buah ASEAN

Media Indonesia | Local Language | News | Jan. 9, 2026 | UndeterminedBizdev-Partnering

A container of frozen durian from Indonesia, previously approved by the Indonesian Quarantine Agency, arrived in Qinzhou, Guangxi, China on January 5, 2026. This marks the beginning of direct distribution of Indonesian frozen durian to China via sea transport. The event highlights strengthened agricultural trade cooperation between Indonesia and China, supported by a bilateral quarantine protocol and technical consultations ensuring compliance with Chinese food safety and plant health standards.

The frozen durian’s arrival supports the development of the China–ASEAN Fruit Trade Center in Qinzhou, a key logistics hub with fast customs services and integrated inspection facilities, facilitating efficient inflow and distribution of Southeast Asian agricultural products. Enhanced port infrastructure, bonded zones, and multimodal logistics networks enable broad market access within China, bolstering Indonesia’s position as a leading supplier of value-added horticultural products.

Officials from the Indonesian Embassy in China emphasized readiness to promote more Indonesian products and invited Chinese businesses for cooperation. The successful export reflects effective government policies, international collaboration, and robust quarantine and logistics systems. Looking ahead, Qinzhou Port is expected to expand its shipping routes to ASEAN countries and become a strategic maritime access point with the 2026 opening of the Pinglu Canal, which could reduce logistics costs for Indonesian and regional agricultural exports by up to 30 percent.

This development signals a transition from potential to tangible market realization for Indonesian durian exports, positioning the country for broader agricultural export growth supported by government backing, international partnerships, and national companies’ active participation.

Yicai Global | English | News | Jan. 9, 2026 | UndeterminedBizdev-Partnering

South Korean conglomerate Shinsegae Group has partnered with Alibaba International to export Korean products to China via Alibaba’s platform, marking a significant step in the warming political and commercial relations between South Korea and China. The agreement, reached at a recent China–South Korea Business Forum, is expected to improve short-term sentiment for Korean consumer brands, especially in fashion and beauty sectors.

Since 2025, more than 10 Korean fashion brands, including Emis, Rest&Recreation, Ronron Archive, and Musinsa Standard, have entered the Chinese market, expanding both online and through physical retail stores. Notably, Rest&Recreation rapidly opened over 10 outlets across major Chinese cities in 2025, while Musinsa plans to open more than 100 stores in China by 2030, aiming for combined revenues exceeding USD 690 million.

Industry experts highlight that while Korean cultural influence and fast-evolving fashion trends attract Chinese consumers, the competitive landscape in China has shifted, with local brands growing fast and consumer preferences heavily influenced by social media. The future growth of Korean brands will depend on their ability to differentiate, develop efficient supply chains, and integrate localized e-commerce, social content, and offline retail experiences.