While the global economy continued to struggle over the past 12 months, China's economic performance remained strong and it contributed the most in real terms to global economic growth for the sixth consecutive year. European companies have benefited from this growth, with increased revenues and higher average profit margins in China compared to company performances being reported globally. With optimism about continued growth, China's strategic importance has correspondingly increased for most European companies, as has the strategic intention to serve the domestic market through their China operations. This is reflected in the plans of many companies to make further investments, increase the number of permanent staff positions and develop marketing and sales activities as companies increasingly see boosting domestic consumption as important to China's growth. Source EUCCC.