In recent years, Chinese enterprises have been accelerating their global expansion. Leading names such as BYD, SHEIN, ByteDance, and Temu are reshaping industries from new energy and consumer electronics to digital commerce. A recent report from a global consulting firm notes China’s outbound investment continues to grow steadily, with more firms moving from “going out” to “going deep” — building global value chains and localized operations.
Why are Chinese companies going global?
Driven by a saturated domestic market, supply chain diversification and the ambition for brand internationalization, enterprises are actively seeking overseas opportunities. Policy incentives such as the Belt and Road Initiative and supportive cross-border trade policies have further encouraged outward investment. Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe remain top destinations for expansion, offering both fast-growing markets and strategic positioning.
SMEs face a different path.
While large corporations expand their global footprint by establishing factories, R&D hubs, or acquiring foreign firms, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) often rely on more agile approaches such as cross-border e-commerce, strategic partnerships, or joint ventures. However, the journey remains far from easy. Chinese companies going abroad increasingly encounter complex regulatory environments, cultural and management differences, and fierce local competition. Most critically, a shortage of internationally experienced talent continues to constrain their global ambitions. Talent has become the key bottleneck for many Chinese firms seeking to globalize effectively. The ability to hire, build and empower local leadership teams has become a key factor in achieving sustainable overseas success for many Chinese firms.
How Bo Le Associates and CFR Global Executive Search create value
As Chinese enterprises venture into new markets, the ability to attract and retain international talent has become a decisive success factor. Leveraging Bo Le’s deep connection with Chinese clients and CFR Global Executive Search extensive global recruitment network, the partnership enables companies to access leadership and professional talent across critical regions. Through joint projects, the teams have successfully supported clients in areas such as senior commercial leadership hiring for European markets, establishing regional management roles in Southeast Asia, and building business development teams in advanced technology sectors in Germany. Each case demonstrates how tailored, cross-cultural talent strategies can help Chinese enterprises accelerate market entry, strengthen local execution, and sustain growth overseas.
Looking ahead.
As globalization enters a new phase, the collaboration between Bo Le Associates and CFR Global Executive Search will continue to empower Chinese enterprises to build globally competitive teams and sustainable overseas operations. From market entry to leadership hiring, we aim to help Chinese companies turn ambition into impact — and move from “going global” to truly “growing global.”
Article written by Lucia Liu and David Chan, CFR Global Executive Search Greater China
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