On 10 June 2025, China Daily published an article highlighting the key findings of AustCham China’s 2025 Doing Business in China report, reaffirming China’s role as a “pivotal” market for global firms particularly those from Australia.

The report, based on responses from 858 companies active across the China–Australia business corridor, revealed that nearly 70% of foreign firms still rank China among their top three global investment priorities. Over 75% of foreign firms reported profitability in 2024, with more than half experiencing revenue growth and 46% increasing their investment in China. One-third are planning geographic expansion within the country in the next three years.

“Despite years of headwinds — from the pandemic to geopolitics to regulatory uncertainties — Australian firms haven’t pulled back,” said Vaughn Barber, Chair of AustCham China. “Australia has what China needs. China has what can help Australia scale. The risk is not that we partner with China. The risk is that we don’t.”

The survey also revealed that government affairs is now the second-highest investment priority for foreign companies in China, reflecting a strategic focus on long-term positioning and regulatory alignment. Key sectors identified for Australian investment include agribusiness, clean energy technologies, and food and beverage, with clean energy standing out as a shared top priority for both Australian and Chinese stakeholders.

Tian Zhang, CEO of AustCham China, emphasized that 86% of respondents expressed positive sentiment about the bilateral relationship. More than half of the businesses reported that doing business in China had become easier over the past year, attributing this to improved diplomatic ties and more constructive government engagement.

Looking ahead, AustCham China plans to release a follow-up pulse survey in response to recent global developments, including new U.S. tariff measures. However, challenges remain: firms continue to face issues such as capital transfer restrictions, market access limitations, and Customs procedures.

On the other side of the relationship, the report found that Chinese firms view Australia’s investment environment as increasingly restrictive, with 79% citing the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) guidelines as unclear and burdensome.

“Both governments should improve the clarity and consistency of regulatory and investment frameworks,” Zhang said.

Read the full article on China Daily [link] to learn more about evolving business sentiment, key investment trends, and the future of Australia–China commercial relations.