Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats for Foreign-Invested Construction Enterprises: A China Study

Abstract

China has been attracting overseas construction enterprises with its vast expanding business market. The country is further opening its construction market to overseas businesses as the result of its accession to the World Trade Organization in 2001. In line with this development, there are an increasing number of foreign-invested construction enterprises (FICEs) entering into the market. Using Porter’s competitiveness factor analysis method, this paper identifies the FICEs’ strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in the Chinese construction market. Data used in the analysis stem from multiple sources including statistical reports, literature review, regulations and policies, and interviews with construction professionals. These findings should provide a valuable reference for overseas construction enterprises who are interested in developing business in the Chinese construction market.