Asia-focused consultancy to invest more

China's steady recovery from COVID-19 and ongoing economic upgrades have provided clear growth opportunities for Sandpiper, boosting its confidence in expanding investment in the country, said the head of the Asia-Pacific-focused strategic communications and public affairs consultancy.

"It is very difficult to run a great Asia-Pacific communications business without a big business in China. It's just impossible," said Emma Smith, CEO of Sandpiper, which is based in Singapore.

Despite lingering geopolitical tensions that have ignited discussions about whether China can retain its attractiveness among foreign businesses, Smith told China Daily she is "very excited" about the market potential in China and is expanding Sandpiper's investment in the country.