China remains attractive investment destination

Q5 Could you share with us one or two of your successful business or personal stories in the process of growing with China?

KASSOW: Twenty years ago, Munich Re was the first foreign reinsurer to receive a license for China. We are celebrating this anniversary together with our clients. Twenty years back, we started with six or seven people working in China; today it is more than 200. It is amazing for me to see how our Beijing branch has developed and flourished along with the Chinese reinsurance market. However, our business relations with China go back much further. Almost a hundred years ago, we started doing business with China. It is an impressive demonstration of our commitment to the Chinese market and I am looking forward to building on this foundation in the decades to come.

LIU: A recent point of personal pride was when Natixis CIB placed second in the knowledge competition on Free Trade Zone regulations organized by the People's Bank of China in Shanghai.

This high-profile event was arranged to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone and gathered more than 100 banks operating within the Shanghai region, including our French and European peers.

Our team showcased exceptional knowledge and expertise, which allowed Natixis CIB to be placed as the highest-ranking foreign bank in the competition.

MAO: China is the second-largest economy in the world, offering unique and exciting opportunities. It belongs in the investment portfolios of global investors, but homework is essential. China is also a vast and ever-growing consumer market. In the long term, we see the brightest future for private companies that can adapt to changing regulatory frameworks and align with policy objectives such as digital innovation, green technology, affordable healthcare and improving livelihoods. We have been investing in the Chinese market for over 30 years and manage a number of highly successful China equity and bond strategies. At the moment, we manage nearly $10 billion of onshore Chinese assets on behalf of our global clients. We will continue to strengthen our China investment team across asset classes to offer distinctive investment solutions to China and global investors.

WATKINS: Born and raised on the Chinese mainland, I grew up witnessing the rapid growth and profound transformations in the Chinese economy and society, underpinned by the strong motivation and resilience of the people. Thanks to the country's continued efforts to open up and enhance international connectivity, I was able to receive my education both in China and overseas, offering me an eye-opening experience and enriching my life and career journey. It was instrumental for me to develop an open mind that embraces different perspectives and possibilities. Now, I am delighted to be able to contribute my experience and local expertise to helping an international financial institution deepen its presence in China. The country has made remarkable achievements over the past decades to become the world's second-largest economy. As such, its long-term growth potential should not be underestimated, and we remain constructive and optimistic about China's secular outlook.