Amid global uncertainties, China is the most strategically valuable preferred investment location in the world, in the words of AmCham South China President Harley Seyedin.

According to the AmCham South China 2025 Special Report, China continues to hold a dominant position in global investment priorities, with a remarkable 39 percent of companies studied ranking it as their No. 1 investment destination.

"Even more compelling, 58 percent of foreign companies consider China among their top three global investment priorities," Seyedin said.

The AmCham president made the remarks as part of his keynote speech at the 2025 Guangzhou Development District Intelligent Manufacturing Industry Development Summit, which was held in the Huangpu district of the capital of Guangdong province on Wednesday.

With the theme of "Intelligence Empowers Huangpu's New Engine, Gathers Global New Opportunities", the event focused on "AI Empowerment · Intelligent Manufacturing Upgrade".

It attracted numerous experts and scholars in the field of intelligent manufacturing, representatives from Fortune 500 companies, and industry elites to discuss intelligent technology-driven industrial transformation and international cooperation opportunities, jointly mapping out a win-win blueprint for the new era of intelligent manufacturing.

Despite global headwinds, 61 percent of companies reinvested their profits in China in 2024, added Seyedin.

"Most tellingly, AmCham South China member companies have set aside a staggering $14.59 billion from their China profits to reinvest over the next three to five years, and this represents a 33 percent surge from previous plans," he said.

For eight years running, Guangzhou has been ranked as the No. 1 investment destination in China.

"Guangzhou is not just a participant in China's growth, it is the premier hub for business expansion and economic activity," Seyedin said.

Huangpu district, home to Guangzhou Development District (GDD), has become the crown jewel of the city, and indeed of South China, he added.

The GDD alone hosts more than 200 Fortune 500 companies, with P&G operating one of its largest global R&D centers and Amway running its China headquarters from the district.

Industry leaders like LG Display, Honda, Bayer and 3M have chosen Huangpu for their regional HQs, R&D and advanced manufacturing, making the GDD a hub of global talent and capital that is virtually unmatched, he added.

Contact the writer at zhengcaixiong@chinadaily.com.cn