L'Oreal(US:LRLCY) 2 1 Shi Ji Jing Ji Bao Dao·2025-07-11 07:26Core Insights - The Greater Bay Area (GBA) is demonstrating strong attraction for foreign investment amidst global economic uncertainties, with over 1,300 companies establishing or expanding operations in Hong Kong from January 2023 to mid-2025, generating over HKD 160 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) and creating more than 19,000 new jobs [1][2] Investment Trends - Guangdong Province reported a 23.4% year-on-year increase in newly established foreign enterprises, totaling 12,000 from January to May 2023, with actual foreign investment reaching USD 50.84 billion, a 6.1% increase [1][6] - Major multinational companies, such as L'Oréal, are significantly investing in the GBA, with L'Oréal expanding its operations in Guangzhou and viewing the region as a strategic priority for its global layout [3][7] Major Projects - Significant foreign investment projects include ExxonMobil's USD 10 billion ethylene project in Huizhou, which is the first major petrochemical project wholly owned by a U.S. company in China [3] - Other notable projects include the construction of a 160,000-ton/year ethylene facility by CNOOC and Shell, a fully automated energy factory by GAC Honda, and a gas turbine service base by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries [4] Financial Market Performance - Hong Kong's IPO market raised HKD 107.1 billion in the first half of 2025, a sevenfold increase year-on-year, making it the top global market for IPOs during this period [5] - The performance of foreign enterprises in Hong Kong exceeded expectations, with 671 foreign companies establishing operations, primarily from the U.S., U.K., Singapore, and Canada [5] Economic Environment - The GBA has developed a comprehensive advantage with a complete industrial ecosystem, convenient infrastructure, active technological innovation, and a rich talent pool, enhancing its attractiveness to foreign investors [6][8] - The region is witnessing a shift in foreign investment focus from manufacturing to high-value sectors such as product development, biomedicine, and artificial intelligence, reflecting a transformation in its competitive landscape [6][7] Policy and Talent Dynamics - Policies tailored for foreign investment, such as Guangzhou's "20 measures for high-quality foreign investment development," and Shenzhen's incentives for new foreign enterprises, are fostering a conducive environment for multinational companies [8] - The GBA continues to experience population growth, with an increase of 440,000 residents from 2022 to 2024, supporting its labor market and economic dynamism [8]