Leonard Botezatu
The Yuxi Circle is a 4,000 km radius around Yuxi, China that contains more than half the world's population. For businesses it is a compact way to think about market access, labour and logistics, not a guarantee of success.
A few years ago, when satellite mapping became highly advanced and accessible to the public, a few researchers embarked on an intriguing project. They wanted to determine the smallest circle on Earth that contained over half of the world's population.
The task proved much harder than expected, taking several months of meticulous calculations. But when they finally got their answer, it was nothing short of astonishing.
At the heart of that circle: Yuxi, China
Yuxi sits in Southwest China, near Kunming. It is the centre of the world's most densely populated region: 4.32 billion people, more than half the world, live within a 4,000 km radius.
This circle is nothing less than a goldmine for businesses worldwide and I'll explain why.
Access to a massive consumer market
More than half the world's population lives inside the Yuxi Circle. For businesses, that is a diverse and growing market on the doorstep. Demand for consumer goods, technology, healthcare and financial services keeps growing. That makes the region attractive to businesses that want to scale.
For business executives aiming for global dominance, this is a Eureka moment. Just as gold prospectors once shouted "Eureka!" when striking gold, this circle represents the modern-day equivalent of discovering immense untapped wealth. The economic potential here is amazing.
Diverse and skilled workforce
The Yuxi Circle is home to some of the world's most dynamic economies and labor forces. Countries like China, India, and Indonesia have vast pools of highly skilled professionals in sectors such as manufacturing, technology, finance, and engineering. Companies that set up operations in this region can benefit from a competitive workforce at various skill levels.
Strategic trade and logistics hub
The Yuxi Circle sits at the intersection of key global economies. That gives it real advantages in logistics and supply chains. The region has major seaports, airports, and transport infrastructure, facilitating seamless trade between Asia, Europe, and the rest of the world. Notably, half the world's population is within a six-hour flight of Kunming International Airport. For global businesses, that is a dream scenario.
Innovation, technological and financial hub
Many countries within the Yuxi Circle are leading in tech innovation, with cities such as Shenzhen, Bengaluru, and Tokyo emerging as global leaders in AI, fintech, and e-commerce.
Moreover, Hong Kong, one of the world's leading financial hubs, is strategically positioned within the Yuxi Circle. Hong Kong is a global centre for finance, trade and investment. It acts as a gateway between Western capital and Asian economies. For multinationals, that makes it hard to ignore.
The rise of the consumer class
Finally, beyond population size, this is where the money is — and where even more money is going to be. Reports say more people in the Yuxi Circle will join the consumer class in the next six years than live in North America and Europe combined. The red-hot growth of the middle class in Asia means higher disposable incomes, greater demand for goods and services, and rapid digital adoption.
Reports say more people in the Yuxi Circle will join the consumer class in the next six years than live in North America and Europe combined.
If I was a business owner, I cannot think of a good reason not to be in the Yuxi Circle.