FedEx Corp plans to further expand its presence in China as the United States-based express transportation service provider aims to fortify supply chains and boost investment in response to China's pivotal role in the global economy, the group's top executive said.

Amid escalating global protectionism and economic challenges, Raj Subramaniam, FedEx's president and CEO, emphasized the critical need for governments and businesses to boost supply chain flexibility and resilience by streamlining processes and reducing regulatory trade barriers.

"FedEx remains committed to investing in markets that are critical to the future of global commerce," said Subramaniam. "We acknowledge China's influential role in global trade and seek to build strong, transparent and mutually beneficial partnerships that support shared innovation and long-term success."

He stressed that trade is the lifeblood of the global economy and highlighted the company's recognition of global trade's immense benefits — from opening new markets and diversifying supply chains, to uplifting people and communities.

After announcing increased international cargo flights between Xiamen, Fujian province; Qingdao, Shandong province; and the US — along with opening international gateway facilities in these cities in 2024 — the Memphis, Tennessee-based group plans to further optimize its network this year to enhance connectivity between China's second- and third-tier cities and global markets.

In early March, FedEx launched a Picture Proof of Delivery (PPOD) service for express residential deliveries on the Chinese mainland, where signatures upon delivery are not required. With recipient authorizations, FedEx couriers can deliver the parcel to customers' doorsteps and take a real-time photo showing its exact position, according to the company.

This service marks a new step in the company's ongoing digitalization efforts and enhances the customer experience while supporting e-commerce growth in China.

Subramaniam said his recent visit to China and productive meetings with Chinese leaders have significantly reinforced his unwavering confidence in China's long-term growth.

"The valuable insights and diverse perspectives shared during our discussions helped deepen our understanding of the evolving opportunities in this important market," he added.

To maintain its appeal to global investors in 2025, China will further open up internet-related, cultural and other sectors in a well-regulated manner and expand pilot programs to open areas such as telecommunications, medical services and education, according to this year's Government Work Report.

The country will encourage foreign investors to increase reinvestment and support collaboration with upstream and downstream enterprises along industrial chains.

Lin Meng, director of the modern supply chain research institute at the Beijing-based Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, said China's ongoing improvements in market openness, product innovation and business model transformation will strengthen its position as a strategic hub for global manufacturers and supply chain service providers, ensuring sustainable long-term returns.

This perspective aligns with the latest data. Foreign-invested businesses in China saw their export value grow 6.9 percent year-on-year to 1.08 trillion yuan ($148.9 billion) in the first two months, according to the General Administration of Customs.

Stabilizing global supply chains is crucial to addressing challenges like rising costs and slower shipping cycles, as they could exacerbate global inflation, said Lin.

FedEx entered China in 1984, and to date has nearly 11,000 staff members nationwide. It operates more than 300 international flights weekly and owns a fleet of 3,000 vehicles within the country.

zhongnan@chinadaily.com.cn