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China’s 2016 100 global giants are more internationalised than their 2014 predecessors. Also they have more sophisticated business models and strategies. A greater number are acquiring international businesses, strategic partnerships, and establishing R&D and innovation centres worldwide.

Why is this research important?

China is on the radar of many businesses, whatever their country or sector. This interest in China’s businesses is only likely to intensify, and it’s two-way. These next Chinese global giants will be building partnerships, investing heavily in R&D and look set to outperforming businesses in developed economies.

Donut chart showing industry sectors represented by China's next 100 global giants. The largest sector is computer and communications equipment. Data as follows: computers & communications equipment 21, chemicals 12, electronics 10, equipment and machinery 8, metal & non metal products 7, internet and information 7, pharmaceuticals 6, textile & clothing 3, education/healthcare/entertainment 3, automobiles 3, business services 2, food & beverage 2, furniture & wood 2, hotels/restaurants & personal 2, instruments 2, retail 2, rubber & plastics 2, transport & logistics 2, wholesale 2, transport equipment 1, paper & print 1 Download a larger version of this chart from the 'Related downloads' section to the right.

What do that ‘giants have that others don’t?

The 2016 emerging global giants are:

  • strong in their home market
  • looking for international opportunities
  • increasingly strategically sophisticated, and still very fast-growing.

Perhaps more impressive is the annual growth rate of the 100 companies identified in this report which outstrips not only the nation’s GDP but also that of the global economy – and this trajectory is expected to continue in future.

What can business outside of China expect?

China’s 100 global giants are interested in acquiring expertise and technologies from businesses in other countries, especially more developed economies. That is especially important for all businesses that are operating in and outside of China.