What happened
In their 2026 semi-annual reports, numerous A-share manufacturing and infrastructure firms highlighted strong business figures from countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), now in its 13th year.
Companies like CRRC and China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) reported significant progress on major BRI projects, with CCCC securing new contracts worth $27.772 billion in BRI countries, accounting for 88% of its overseas new contracts.
Other firms, such as Yongding Co. and Sumec, are diversifying into sectors like new energy vehicle wiring and energy-chemical-environmental services within BRI markets, showing notable growth.
Why it matters
The BRI continues to be a key growth driver for Chinese listed companies, helping them expand overseas and boost overall performance.
Government support, including trade facilitation measures and delegation visits, is reinforcing these corporate efforts, as highlighted by recent data from the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT).
Expert commentary suggests that Chinese investments in BRI countries deliver triple value: addressing infrastructure bottlenecks, fostering local industrial clusters, and improving livelihoods.
Key facts
2026 marks the 13th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative.
CCCC's new contracts in BRI countries reached $27.772 billion, 88% of its overseas total, with cumulative contracts since the BRI's inception at $344.064 billion.
From January to July, Chinese enterprises completed $87.72 billion in contracted projects in BRI countries, up 15.6% year-on-year.
Sumec's new contracts in BRI countries totaled $124 million in H1 2026, a 30% increase year-on-year.
What to watch next
Whether the momentum in BRI-related business continues for A-share companies in the second half of 2026, especially in infrastructure and high-end equipment sectors.
The impact of ongoing policy support, such as the 'Thousand Groups Going to Sea' initiative and trade facilitation measures, on future corporate overseas expansion.