Once ‘the world’s factory’, China now builds global brands

AS A global manufacturing powerhouse, China has churned out goods for international brands big and small, making “Made in China” truly ubiquitous. But its image as the factory of the world has evolved. No longer just a manufacturer, China is moving from its backstage role into the limelight, as it creates brands for the international market.

South-east Asia, with its vast population, is an attractive prospect for many Chinese brands, which have come into prominence in areas such as technology products, fashion, tourism, and food and beverage (F&B). In this digital age, these brands are casting off earlier negative connotations of the “Made in China” label, and turning truly international.