US firms upbeat on China By Jiang Wei (China Daily) Updated: 2005-09-02 08:55
A huge majority of US businesses operating in China reported increases in
annual revenues last year, according to the results of a survey released
yesterday by two American chambers of commerce.
About 86 per cent of respondents said they posted higher revenues in 2004
compared to the previous year; and 68 per cent were "profitable" or "very
profitable" last year, according to the "White Paper 2005 American Business in
China."
The white paper, the seventh annual report of its kind, was published by the
American Chamber of Commerce in China (AmCham) and the American Chamber of
Commerce in Shanghai; and covered a wide range of sectors, from manufacturing,
trade and distribution to services. It was based on a survey of nearly 2,000
members of the two chambers.
The nationwide survey also showed that US companies had great confidence in
China's business environment.
"The vast majority of survey respondents 93 per cent report that China's
economic reforms have improved the climate for US businesses and 92 per cent
said their five-year business outlook in China is 'optimistic' or 'cautiously
optimistic'," the white paper said.
At the same time, US businesses are facing increasing competition from both
local companies and foreign rivals.
Profitability in 2004 was slightly lower that in the previous two years,
indicating more challenges.
"We attribute the levelling margin to both improved markets elsewhere and to
US firms' financial performance in China more closely tracking their global
performance as China revenues grow," the white paper said.
It explained that factors such as price pressure from major customers as well
as changes in market and commodity prices, and salaries, are driving down
margins. But the white paper added this was minor compared to the continuity of
higher profitability since China joined the World Trade Organization.
Despite increasing challenges, most US companies said they would increase
business activities in China.
According to the white paper, IPRs (intellectual property rights) remain the
top concern of US companies in China, in particular, enforcement by local
governments.
Emory Williams, chairman of AmCham China, said the annual white paper made
suggestions not only to the Chinese Government but also to the US
administration.
For example, he said, the US Government should relax restrictions on issuing
visas to Chinese.
According to the chamber's survey, visas issued to Chinese nationals were up
23 per cent compared to the previous year, but still lower that the level before
September 11, 2001.
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