As part of its expansion in China, Estee Lauder launched two projects in Shanghai in late March -the China Fulfillment Center and the Group Open Innovation Center- to boost its research and development and intelligent supply chain operations.

"China is more than one of the world's largest beauty markets. It is a global leader in shaping consumer trends, digital innovation and the future of our industry," said Stephane de La Faverie, the group's president and CEO.

Similar momentum is seen in other sectors. Louis Dreyfus Company, a Rotterdam-headquartered multinational trader and processor of agricultural commodities, has continued to expand its footprint in China, investing in four greenfield projects to strengthen processing capabilities.

James Zhou, LDC's chief commercial officer, said his group has already set up a global R&D center in Shanghai and launched two production lines for specialty feed ingredients in Tianjin, aiming to translate research into commercial applications.

"We are looking to expand our integrated specialty phospholipid production model — pioneered through innovation and advanced oilseed processing capabilities in China — to other LDC plants worldwide," said Zhou. "Meanwhile, we have launched various plant-based food and feed ingredients and solutions, tailored to evolving needs in China."

Pan Yuanyuan, deputy director of the international investment unit at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences' Institute of World Economics and Politics, said foreign investment is becoming an increasingly important driver of employment and services sector development in China.

"In high-tech areas such as advanced manufacturing, green and low-carbon development, digital infrastructure and scientific research, multinational companies are increasingly leveraging China's industrial and supply chains to scale up innovation and accelerate its commercial application, integrating the country more deeply into their global production and innovation networks," she added.