Dear VDMA member,

Following our broad overview of China's new Five-Year Plan in March, this online session takes a closer look at its approach to modernizing the industrial system and what it means for the machinery sector.

China's 15th Five-Year Plan cycle (2026–2030) opens a new phase in the country's industrial strategy. Two overall commitments anchor the new cycle: keeping manufacturing at the core of the economy and going global.

As in recent cycles, most machinery sectors, are not expected to receive a dedicated state-level plan. Government support increasingly runs through broader initiatives in innovation, digitalization ("AI+"), green manufacturing and industrial standards upgrading. Sector guidance will instead largely come through the semi-official China Machinery Industry Federation (CMIF). On May 30, CMIF Vice Chairman Luo Junjie said that the machinery industry's 15th Five-Year Plan is currently being revised and refined and will be released later this year. As soon as this plan is out, we will address it in a separate session.

For now, we will focus on the overall modernization of China's industrial system, one of the highest-ranking priorities in the new Five-Year Plan. We will examine how policymakers aim to advance high-end manufacturing, modernize traditional industries, and strengthen industrial supply chains. Where are competitive pressures likely to intensify, and where might opportunities remain for foreign-invested companies?

Event Details

Modernizing China's Industrial System: What the New Five-Year Plan Means for Machinery Companies

• Date: August 18, 2026
• Time: 16:00 – 17:30 (Chinese time), 10:00 – 11:30 (German time)
• Format: online via MS Teams
• Language: English

Agenda

16:00 Welcome by VDMA

16:10 Keynote: Modernizing China's Industrial System: What the New Five-Year Plan Means for Machinery Companies by Erlend Ek, Partner at CP Global Insight and Simon Chen, Macroeconomy and Industry Analyst at CP Global Insight

17:00 Q&A session

17:30 End

We look forward to your participation in this timely discussion.

VDMA China