Search

Model Transition and Institutional Empowerment in the Internationalization of Chinese Private Enterprises

Author(s)

Hengyi Zhu, Fenghua Liang

Affiliation(s)

School of Economics, Shandong University of Finance and Economics, Shandong, China

Abstract

In recent years, Chinese private enterprises have been undergoing a strategic transition from “product export” to “integrated overseas expansion”. However, the intensification of global geopolitical conflicts, the upgrading of green trade barriers, and the superposition of internal capability weaknesses have made this transition face unprecedented complexity. Based on distinguishing three conceptual levels — “product overseas expansion”, “brand overseas expansion”, and “integrated overseas expansion” — this paper proposes that “integrated overseas expansion” refers to a form of transnational operation in which enterprises systematically export technological standards, brand assets, service capabilities, and localized operations. Through comparative case studies of BYD, CATL, Huayou Cobalt, and Geely, this paper identifies two typical overseas expansion models: the technology-driven “rule export” model and the resource-led “chain integration” model. The former builds discourse power in international standards through intensive R&D, while the latter gains resource control advantages through vertical supply chain integration. The study finds that the two models show a trend of convergence in practice and both face common constraints such as CBAM carbon tariffs, overseas compliance risks, and a shortage of international talent. This paper further proposes countermeasures to promote high-quality overseas expansion of private enterprises from two dimensions: government service ecosystem and enterprise capacity building, providing theoretical references for improving the overseas comprehensive service system.

Keywords

Private Enterprises; Integrated Overseas Expansion; Rule Export; Chain Integration; Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism

References

[1] General Administration of Customs of China. Press Conference on Import and Export Situation in the First Quarter of 2026[EB/OL]. http://www.customs.gov.cn. [2] Ji Lei, Yuan Xinyi, Su Yue. Breaking Through Difficulties and Optimizing Paths for Chinese Private Enterprises' “Going Global” Under the New Development Pattern[N]. Chongqing Science and Technology News.. [3] Fu Dan. A Study on the Dilemmas of Outward-Oriented Private Enterprises' Overseas Expansion and the Mode of Internal-External Collaborative Breakthrough[J]. China Science & Technology Investment, 2026(19): 102-105. [4] Zhang Shankun, Jiang Wei. Promoting Zhejiang Private Enterprises to Go Overseas to Boost High-Level Opening-Up[J]. Zhejiang Commerce, 2025(12): 15-19. [5] European Commission. Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism: Implementation Guidance[EB/OL].https://ec.europa.eu. [6] Sheng Shihao. Comparison and Enlightenment of Overseas Expansion Models of Private Enterprises in Zhejiang and Guangdong[J]. Zhejiang Economy, 2025(8): 24-29. [7] Lei Jun. Encouraging Private Enterprises to Actively Participate in the “Belt and Road” Construction to Enhance the Global Influence of the “Made in China” Brand[R]. Proposal to the 13th National People's Congress, 2018. [8] Ding Meiling, Qiao Penghua. How Can Private Enterprises Achieve Stable and Long-Term Overseas Expansion?[J]. China Foreign Investment, 2025(11): 42-46. [9] UBS Securities. Research Report on the Restructuring of Chinese Enterprise Supply Chains[R]. Beijing: UBS Securities Research Department, 2025. [10] Ministry of Commerce, National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, People's Bank of China, State Administration of Foreign Exchange. Guiding Opinions on Improving the Overseas Comprehensive Service System[Z]. 2025-10-15.