Survey Report

PWC 24th Annual Global CEO Survey China Report

30 Jun 2021

Reorientations of firms in China, in the pandemic era.

Key takeaways

The survey results find that:

  • CEOs in China are optimistic about global growth in the next 12 months, despite contraction in world economy in 2020 due to pandemic.

  • Modest share of executives in Mainland China are “very confident” of their company’s revenue growth prospects despite global economic slowdown, supported by favourable policy measures.
  • Executives in China turn to Japan, Germany, and USA for overseas growth opportunities.
  • In China, pandemic threat overshadows concerns over trade tensions and policy uncertainty as key business threats.
  • Threats explicitly factored into strategic risk management activities.
  • Cross-border investment is being directed to Asia- Pacific, Belt and Road countries or regions and the European Union.
  • Firms are driving revenue growth in the next 12 months by building operational efficiencies, launching a new product or service, and pursuing organic growth. Entering into a new strategic alliance/joint venture does not appear to be a priority for executives in Mainland China as well as globally.
  • Long-term investments in the next three years focus on R&D and new product innovation, digital transformation and realising cost efficiencies.
  • Innovation, workforce practices, purpose and values were the top three areas of impact to be measured and reported on.
  • Executives in Mainland China were of the view that “greater income equality”, “the good health and well-being of the workforce” and “a diverse and inclusive workforce” were the top three outcomes that should be the priorities for business to help deliver.


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