2026 Asian Manufacturing Outlook: Navigating Supply Chain Resilience for FIEs

Against evolving global supply chain dynamics and a rising focus on resilience, China’s highly efficient industrial clusters have made it the world’s only manufacturing superpower and a cornerstone of global supply chains, serving as an indispensable base for the production of a wide range of goods. In addition, Asia has emerged as one of the world’s most attractive manufacturing hubs, supported by its economic scale, abundant labour, expanding consumer markets and sophisticated industrial ecosystems.

While European businesses remain firmly committed to the Chinese market, many are proactively optimising their supply chain strategies to enhance resilience, flexibility and competitiveness in a shifting global landscape. They also seek to mitigate risks arising from geopolitical tensions, trade restrictions and strategic dependencies. This includes exploring alternative manufacturing destinations across Asia as part of a balanced and sustainable approach.

Against this backdrop, EU industrial and competitiveness policies have become increasingly critical in supporting European enterprises to strengthen their industrial base, diversify supply chains and reduce strategic dependencies. These policies directly shape the operating environment for European firms in China and underpin their long-term competitiveness and sustainable growth.

• How is China’s manufacturing sector shaping up in 2026?
• What key manufacturing trends are unfolding across Asia, and which Asian markets are leading supply chain diversification efforts?
• How do EU industrial and competitiveness policies help strengthen European enterprises and reduce strategic dependencies?

This session will provide actionable insights to help European businesses optimise their China operations, strengthen supply chain resilience, align with relevant EU industrial policy priorities and achieve sustainable, long-term growth across China and Asia.

*This event is organized by European Chamber Beijing Office.

*It will be conducted in English with no translation services and is off the record.

*We will encourage in-person attendance on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Tentative Agenda:

15:00-15:30 Registration

15:30-15:35 Welcome Remarks

15:35-15:55 Keynote: 2026 China Manufacturing Landscape (in person)

• Ines Liu, Senior Manager, Dezan Shira & Associates

15:55-16:15 Keynote: Key Supply Chain Diversification Hubs in Asia (online)

• Pritesh Samuel, Head of Business Intelligence Unit, Dezan Shira & Associates

16:15-16:35 Keynote: EU Policies to Boost Competitiveness and Reduce Dependencies (in person)

• Dr. Jorg Weberndorfer, Minister Counsellor at the Trade Section, EU Delegation to China

16:35-17:00 Discussion and Q&A

•  The above speakers

Moderated by Ester Cañada Amela, Head of European Government Affairs, European Chamber