China Aims To Rebuild Global Trade And Business Ties

Over 80 Foreign Companies Attend Key Meeting with China’s Commerce Ministry

China has taken a major step to rebuild its relationship with global businesses. In a recent meeting organized by the Ministry of Commerce, more than 80 foreign companies and chambers operating in China joined discussions to address ongoing business challenges.

According to an official statement, the Chinese government expressed its commitment to solving the issues faced by international companies. The Ministry encouraged foreign firms to “raise rational voices,” keep faith in the Chinese market, and look at current challenges as opportunities.

The meeting is part of China’s wider plan to restore business confidence amid slowing growth and global uncertainty.

China to Lift Sanctions on European Lawmakers to Revive EU Investment Deal

In another major diplomatic move, China is preparing to lift sanctions on several Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). This action is aimed at reviving the frozen Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI) between China and the European Union.

A spokesperson from the office of European Parliament President Roberta Metsola confirmed the reports. According to them, discussions with Chinese officials are in their final stages, and the Parliament is expecting official confirmation from China soon.

The sanctions, imposed in 2021, had banned five MEPs from traveling to China. These included Reinhard Bütikofer, Michael Gahler, Miriam Lexmann, Raphaël Glucksmann, and Ilhan Kyuchyuk. China had implemented the sanctions in response to EU criticism over human rights issues in Xinjiang.

Lifting these restrictions could open the door to renewed EU-China trade talks, especially as both sides seek stability in a shifting global economy.

Citigroup Recommends Buying Chinese Property Stocks

Meanwhile, global investment bank Citigroup has issued a bullish call on China’s real estate sector. The bank’s strategists say this is a “good time” to accumulate Chinese property stocks, citing ongoing policy support and better management practices among top developers.

In their recent report, analysts Griffin Chan and Cindy Li noted that property companies in China are showing signs of improved return-on-equity (ROE) driven by better asset utilization and pricing power.

Citigroup also expects more supportive measures to be announced in the upcoming Politburo meeting scheduled for late April. This follows a recent statement by Premier Li Qiang, who called for stronger government efforts to support the real estate market.

HSBC Also Turns Positive on Chinese Developers

HSBC Holdings Plc has echoed Citigroup’s positive outlook. The bank now sees a recovery in ROE for leading Chinese developers, which could result in strong earnings upgrades over the next few quarters.

According to HSBC, top-tier property companies are better positioned to benefit from the Chinese government’s targeted support, especially as the country focuses on stabilizing its housing sector.

Why This Matters for Global Investors

China is sending a clear message to the world: it wants foreign investors back and is ready to make policy changes to restore confidence. Whether it’s lifting political sanctions, improving the regulatory environment for foreign firms, or boosting property stocks, China appears to be re-opening its doors after years of economic pressure.

For investors, this could signal a turning point. The Chinese stock market has underperformed in recent years, but with increased policy support, there may be fresh opportunities—especially in the real estate and tech sectors.

What to Watch Next

Politburo Meeting (Late April): More policy announcements to support real estate and broader economic growth.

Official Statement from China on MEP Sanctions: Confirmation will likely lead to renewed EU-China trade discussions.

Follow-Up Reforms for Foreign Companies: Businesses hope for more structural reforms in sectors like tech, retail, and finance.

Conclusion

China’s recent diplomatic and economic steps show a clear desire to re-engage with the global market. With international firms participating in key meetings, investment analysts turning bullish, and political sanctions being lifted, a new chapter may be opening for China’s business relations with the world.