<div id="readability-page-1">HSBC CEO Georges Elhedery has vowed to continue investing in China amid escalating trade tensions after witnessing new trade opportunities from Chinese companies going global. While attending the two-day China Development Forum (CDF) 2026 in Beijing on Monday, Elhedery characterised China’s current trajectory as a “new phase of development” that would define the next era of global economic growth. Although 2025 saw steady growth in global trade, the landscape has been complicated by shifting tariffs, geopolitical tensions and regional conflicts. However, Elhedery emphasised that these structural shifts were carving out “new trade corridors”, according to a media note on Sunday. “Under the current ‘new normal’ of global trade, Chinese companies are facing new needs and challenges in their journey to ‘go global’,” Elhedery said. “Financial institutions should keep up with Chinese companies, as the pattern of their journey has shifted from primarily exporting products to actively building overseas operations.” Elhedery described China’s overseas direct investment (ODI) as “proving unstoppable”, highlighting a significant shift in how Chinese firms engage with the world. According to an EY report in February, China’s overall overseas direct investment (ODI) reached US$174.4 billion last year, up 7.1 per cent year on year, while non-financial ODIs in Belt and Road Initiative partner countries surged by 17.6 per cent. Overseas mergers and acquisitions announced by Chinese enterprises hit US$43.6 billion, an increase of nearly 40 per cent over the same period. The “going global” campaign is being spearheaded by giants in the green energy and automotive sectors, including BYD and CATL, building plants in Europe, Southeast Asia and South America.   Ahead of CDF’s main sessions, He Lifeng, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party Central Committee and Vice-Premier of the State Council, met with a delegation of executives from leading multinational corporations, including HSBC, UBS, Louis Dreyfus Commodities, Siemens Healthineers, Schneider Electric and Rio Tinto, on Saturday night. The Vice-Premier reaffirmed that China will remain committed to expanding high-level opening-up and high-quality development, creating broader market opportunities for global firms during the 15th five-year plan period, which starts this year, according to the state-owned Xinhua News Agency. Highlighting that it remains a major investor in the Chinese market despite global uncertainties, Elhedery said on Sunday that HSBC would continue to invest in China, supporting international companies in embracing opportunities onshore and Chinese companies in expanding offshore. To support the transition of Chinese companies amid the new wave of overseas expansion, banks need to build strong international networks and offer customised one-stop financial solutions, Elhedery noted. He said a vertical, client-aligned management framework that mirrored the organisational structure of Chinese enterprises was crucial for delivering seamless, consistent banking services and navigating complex global challenges. Elhedery also emphasised the critical role of Hong Kong as an international financial centre and offshore Renminbi (RMB) hub. He noted that enhanced connectivity between the mainland and Hong Kong remained vital for providing international investors with efficient risk-management tools. </div>

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<p>HSBC CEO Georges Elhedery has committed to ongoing investments in China, recognizing new trade opportunities as Chinese companies expand globally. Speaking at the China Development Forum 2026, he noted that the current global trade landscape is evolving due to geopolitical tensions and shifting tariffs, creating new trade corridors. Elhedery highlighted the unstoppable nature of China's overseas direct investment, which reached $174.4 billion last year, and emphasized the need for financial institutions to adapt to the changing needs of Chinese firms. He also underscored Hong Kong's role as a key financial hub.</p>

- HSBC CEO Georges Elhedery pledged continued investment in China, citing new trade opportunities for Chinese companies despite escalating trade tensions.  
- He characterized China's current phase as indicative of future global economic growth, noting significant increases in overseas direct investment and mergers by Chinese firms.  
- Elhedery highlighted the need for financial institutions to adapt to the evolving landscape, emphasizing Hong Kong's role as a financial hub and the importance of tailored banking solutions for international corporate clients.

HSBC vows to keep investing in China as new trade growth corridors emerge