Since the introduction of economic reforms in 1978, the Chinese economy has become one of the world's fastest-growing major economies. As of 2016[update], it was the world's second-largest economy by nominal GDP and largest by purchasing power parity (PPP). China was also the world's largest exporter and second-largest importer of goods.[1] China is a member of numerous formal and informal multilateral organizations, including the WTO, APEC, BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), the BCIM, and the G-20.
A company incorporated in any of China's special administrative regions is not considered to be incorporated in China. See the corresponding list for companies incorporated in China's special administrative regions. For further information on the types of business entities in this country and their abbreviations, see business entities in China.