今日上海
高管们对中国进口博览会大加赞赏 - 2023年11月13日
Execs give China Import Expo the thumbs-up
The University Startup World Cup Growth-Stage Global Final opens.
Startups making all the right connections at trade show
The sixth China International Import Expo, which concluded on Friday, attracted a multitude of Chinese and foreign businesses from a variety of industries to seek cooperation opportunities. The annual event provides a vital platform to showcase innovative products, technological expertise and service solutions, build valuable partnerships and enhance business participants' foothold in the Chinese market, said executives of participating multinational companies. Some of them share their thoughts on the annual event's role in their companies' expansion with China Daily.
The China International Import Expo has served as a bridge to connect innovative enterprises from overseas with the huge Chinese market, creating enormous business opportunities, a senior executive of an innovation platform said.
Wu Jie, executive director of Venture Cup, said at the sixth CIIE that an increasing number of technology-based enterprises are leveraging the event to explore opportunities in China since it set up an innovation incubation special section in 2021.
"The CIIE has provided a centralized platform for global startups to showcase their projects and products, as well as facilitate capital connections. It offers a unique chance for the SMEs to tap into the entire Chinese market in one go, enabling them to achieve rapid growth and expansion," she said.
Headquartered in Denmark, Venture Cup has participated in the CIIE for four consecutive years, bringing innovative startups from the Nordic region as well as other regions in the world to China.
Wu said many of the startups that participated in previous sessions have successfully entered the Chinese market. One example is the Singapore-based E3A Healthcare, which specializes in medical devices and health management solutions for babies and women.
The company's intelligent neonatal jaundice monitoring meter product, which was exhibited at the CIIE in 2022, has been adopted by more than 120 hospitals in China, serving tens of thousands of families annually.
Venture Cup brought more than 50 technology-based enterprises to the CIIE this year, the largest number so far. These enterprises come from places including the Nordic region, North America, Brazil and Singapore, spanning multiple industries, such as healthcare, green energy, artificial intelligence, trade in services, industrial technology and sustainable development.
"Thanks to the recovery of international exchanges from the pandemic, this year marks a remarkable transition from quantity to quality, with a conspicuous improvement in the technology content of the enterprises," Wu said.
The Sweden-based Scandinavian Real Heart, for example, possesses world-leading artificial cardiac technology and is capable of replacing a diseased heart.
Other cutting-edge technologies and products on display include sign language translation software designed for people with difficulty in hearing, a comprehensive clean energy solution and an indoor air quality monitor.
Venture Cup also organized the 2023 University Startup World Cup Growth-Stage Global Final during this year's CIIE. Startups from around the world competed to become champions in the four categories of green, health, digital and social as well as an overall champion.
Due to the high-quality of the projects and outstanding performances, the champions have won favor among numerous government entities and organizations, Wu said. Venture Cup will assist the startups in connecting with development opportunities, enabling them to establish a strong presence in the Chinese market as soon as possible, she added.
Event sparking cooperative deals for Panasonic
Panasonic signed more than 10 strategic cooperation agreements in such fields as intelligent manufacturing and battery asset management during the sixth China International Import Expo.
At the expo which concluded on Friday in Shanghai, the company occupied an exhibition booth covering an area of 1,000 square meters. It exhibited such products and services as hydrogen fuel cell applications in factories and homes, smart welding robots and an intelligent cockpit designed to promote low-carbon travel.
Participating in the annual trade event for six consecutive years, Panasonic can "experience excellent products and technologies from all over the world; strengthen interactions with local governments and enterprises; and gain feedback from visitors on Panasonic products in just a few days," said Zhao Bingdi, vice-president of Panasonic China and Northeast Asia Company.
The group's CEO Yuki Kusumi, who attended the expo for the first time, said during the gathering that Panasonic has always adhered to the corporate mission of realizing "an ideal society featuring rich material and spiritual civilization" proposed by Konosuke Matsushita, the group's founder. It has been making constant efforts from a strategic and holistic perspective, to contribute to solving the environmental problems of the Earth, and enable every consumer to have a healthy, safe and comfortable life, the CEO said.
In 2022, for example, Panasonic put forward a long-term environmental vision titled "Panasonic Green Impact", according to which the group plans to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 300 million metric tons as of 2050, equivalent to about 1 percent of the total global carbon dioxide emissions currently.
As for the pursuit of a better life, Panasonic strives to provide quality products and services in different regions. It has built a residential community in Yixing, Jiangsu province, integrating the group's advantages in home appliances and housing facilities. The project represents Panasonic's Wellness Smart Town concept.
"As one of the first foreign enterprises to enter China, Panasonic can be said to be a witness to China's reform and opening-up and the improvement of the business environment," Zhao said.
Since China is moving toward a high-quality development pattern, the Chinese market is playing an increasingly important role in the global market. "The Chinese market has incomparable advantages. While maintaining itself as a manufacturing powerhouse, it has also gradually transformed into a powerhouse in terms of consumption, engineering and innovation," Zhao noted. "China has a huge market demand and complete industry and supply chains, as well as the strong capability to accept new technologies, and great potential for economic development. All these factors provide wider opportunities for enterprises to develop in the country."pment, electronic components, housing facilities, home appliances development and material production. Nearly half of them have been completed or are in operation.
The Skechers pavilion at the sixth CIIE.
Skechers stepping up its presence in country
Leveraging the China International Import Expo, a key platform for international procurement and investment promotion, Skechers, a United States-based athletic footwear and apparel company, is ramping up efforts to play a bigger role in the industry, boost international communication and connect China with the global market.
Willie Tan, CEO of Skechers China, South Korea and Southeast Asia, said the CIIE acts as a magnet to attract top global companies to Shanghai. This year's event has reached new heights in terms of participating companies and the number of visitors, he said.
As an ideal platform for industrial exchange where Skechers can gain insights into new trends and market directions, the CIIE has promoted the transformation of exhibits into products and products into hot-selling items, Tan said, adding that the company's debut products have received huge market feedback.
"This year, half of our exhibition area is dedicated to interactive sections, with the setup of a basketball court to showcase the latest and trendiest sports. We have also invited professional coaches to provide teaching on the background knowledge, basic rules and playing techniques of this sport," he said.
Skechers has also combined a milk tea bar concept with its Slip-ins series, designing the Skechers Bar interactive experience space. Guests can enjoy a cup of exclusive Skechers special blend milk tea on-site.
This year, Skechers continued its high-speed development, presenting a series of remarkable commercial achievements to market investors and global consumers. In the second quarter financial report released in July, Skechers announced sales revenue of $2.01 billion for the second quarter, a 7.7 percent increase from the same period of 2022, setting a record for the same period. In the first quarter of this year, Skechers achieved a quarterly sales revenue of $2 billion, setting a record for the first quarter.
Skechers has been committed to digital transformation and expansion for years by extending its business on mainstream e-commerce platforms, and continuously developing self-operated channels. In addition, the company is connecting online and offline store membership data to manage big data.
"This year, we have opened a Skechers China live broadcast base in Dongguan, Guangdong province, covering an area of 2,000 square meters, which currently has 14 professional livestreaming rooms in operation," Tan said.
To tap into consumers' demand for high-quality and comfortable products, Skechers is also expanding into diversified businesses such as livestreaming e-commerce training and anchor incubation, building a professional team of 200 people and establishing a live broadcast base with distinctive brand characteristics.
China is Skechers' largest overseas market and one of its most important markets. Skechers has seized this market opportunity and accelerated its development through channel sinking, product innovation, industrial investment and partnership building. It achieved significant results in the market, with sales growth in China reaching as high as 19 percent in the second quarter.
Mannequins illustrate Muji's lifestyle concept at the CIIE.
Companies being empowered to adapt to Chinese market
A visually enthralling booth at the sixth China International Import Expo grabbed attention with its unique arrangement of wooden panels complemented by a bold red logo.
What set the booth apart was not just its stylish appearance but the participation it required from visitors to complete its function. Expo-goers were invited to dismantle the eco-friendly exterior walls and take them home, using them as storage boxes or small stools.
Created by Japanese retailer Muji, which was a first-timer at the expo held in Shanghai from Nov 5 to 10, this innovative booth spanned a space of 400 square meters.
Muji, following the trend of companies using the CIIE to reveal new products, unveiled two exclusive items: a retro capsule design perfume series with 10 fragrances and a suitcase series which offer a versatile user experience, according to Satoshi Shimizu, executive vice-president and director of Muji.
On top of the two designer items, Muji showcased locally sourced Chinese goods that took center stage. Many of them were made from recycled plastics, fleece and hemp fiber, emphasizing the brand's dedication to supporting China's sustainable development goals.
A significant highlight of the event was the handcrafted woven bag series, created by rural workers in Qingdao, East China's Shandong province, using environmentally friendly materials. This initiative not only provides employment opportunities for the community but contributes to regional development.
"Muji wanted to deliver two visions during our debut at the expo. First, to promote Chinese design to the world market; second, to demonstrate its determination to take root in China," Shimizu said.
Muji, which considers China as its most important market overseas, has been expanding its localization offerings in recent years. Official statistics show that Muji currently operates 385 offline stores in China, making it the brand's largest market outside of Japan. Notably, more than 5,000 products have been designed and developed locally, with more expected.
According to Shimizu, in 2019, Muji's Chinese design team was given more autonomy, with some textile products designed by the Chinese team becoming bestsellers at its store outlets worldwide.
Shimizu pointed out that "Chinese design and Chinese manufacturing" are just the initial steps and "Chinese design sold globally" will soon become a reality, with the CIIE acting as a booster to make this happen.
"The CIIE has transformed from being solely a platform to showcase technologies and expertise to a stage that empowers companies to adapt to the Chinese market and foster innovation," he said.
Manabu Toguchi introduces a camera to a visitor at the CIIE.
Nikon keeping a sharp focus on expansion in nation
Japanese image and video equipment company Nikon will ramp up efforts to explore the Chinese market as it holds a positive outlook on the prospects of the Chinese economy, a senior executive said at the sixth China International Import Expo.
Manabu Toguchi, senior vice-president of Nikon, said in an exclusive interview with China Daily that the CIIE demonstrates China's commitment to opening-up and strengthening collaboration with overseas enterprises.
"The CIIE serves as a remarkable platform for bolstering communication and cooperation with partners from China and around the world, and to fully showcase our cutting-edge products and technology," he said.
Through participation in the 2021 and 2022 editions of the CIIE, the optics and imaging giant established broader connections with the Chinese government and enterprise partners, and has reached out to a multitude of new clients that were previously untapped, Toguchi said.
During the sixth CIIE, Nikon presented its leading optical technology and products in five divisions of semiconductor equipment; flat panel display equipment; industrial instruments; healthcare; and imaging products at the Intelligent Industries and Information Technology exhibition area. Highlighted exhibits include two newly released semiconductor lithography machines, FPD exposure equipment, as well as the ZF, Z9 and Z8 mirrorless cameras.
Nikon's healthcare business unit also signed a contract with an affiliated hospital of a Chinese university at the CIIE, according to Toguchi.
Toguchi said China stands as one of the most pivotal markets for Nikon, with 20 percent of its total sales revenue generated there in 2022.
"Nikon is highly optimistic about the market potential in China. We will seize the opportunities created by China's ongoing efforts to expand opening-up and increase the presence of our various business lines in China," he said.
Despite challenges from smartphones with built-in cameras, Nikon's camera business has seen a positive growth trend in the Chinese market.
"Many people start taking photos with their cellphone, but if they want to learn more about photography, they may opt to acquire a camera," Toguchi said. He added that Nikon is amplifying its appeal to consumers through functional upgrades and improvements in customer service.
Nikon Imaging Instruments Sales (China), headquartered in Shanghai, has established branches in Beijing, Guangzhou and Chengdu, dedicated to sales, after-sales services and marketing activities centered around cameras.
It boasts a network of more than 100 distributors across China, complemented by its own flagship stores established in Shanghai in 2021, Guangzhou in 2022 and Chengdu in 2023. Furthermore, a flagship store in Beijing is scheduled to open in January.
In addition to its imaging products business, Nikon is expanding its presence in the Chinese market across various sectors, including healthcare, FPD devices and industrial instruments, Toguchi said.
A model of a Boeing aircraft is displayed at the CIIE.
Sky's the limit as Boeing looks to long term
US aircraft manufacturer Boeing has strengthened its collaboration with Chinese partners through the sixth China International Import Expo, which was held in Shanghai from Nov 5 to 10.
The aircraft giant signed two agreements with Xiamen Airlines to provide services on the overhaul of the B787 aircraft landing gear and packages of customized aircraft parts. It also inked a memorandum of understanding with China Southern Airlines to provide customized aircraft part packages.
"We aspire to bolster our collaboration with Chinese partners through the CIIE, so as to jointly build a better future for the civil aviation industry," Boeing China President Alvin Liu told China Daily.
As a third-time participant in the CIIE, Boeing showcased its 777X twin-engine jet, along with its vision for sustainable development within the civil aviation industry. The 777X is the latest Boeing commercial airplane based on the most successful twin-aisle airplane ever, the 777. With advanced technologies from the 787 Dreamliner family, the 777X range is designed to maximize efficiency and environmental performance while providing an exceptional experience.
Boeing believes that the sustainable development of the civil aviation industry hinges upon four pathways: fleet renewal, operation efficiency, renewable energy and advanced technology, Liu said.
During the 2019 and 2022 editions of the CIIE, Boeing inked collaboration agreements with various partners, including a memorandum of understanding on aircraft parts support with China Aviation Supplies and an agreement on aviation materials consignment with Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering.
"China is one of the most important international markets for Boeing and we are committed to providing ongoing support for the sustainable development of China's civil aviation industry through our world-class products and services," Liu said.
Boeing forecast that China will require 8,560 new commercial airplanes over the next 20 years, accounting for one-fifth of the world's airplane deliveries in the period. China's domestic aviation market will therefore be the largest in the world by the end of the forecast period.
Liu said Boeing has been privileged to serve in the development of China's air transport system since 1972, supporting Chinese efforts to ensure a safe, efficient and profitable aviation system that keeps pace with the country's rapid economic growth.
"Boeing continues to expand strong and innovative partnerships with China, covering the full life cycle of airplane manufacturing and operation, including parts and component production; airplane completion and delivery; airplane conversion and modification; as well as services," he said.
Liu said the 737 Completion and Delivery Center in Zhoushan, Zhejiang province, which delivered its first airplane in December 2018, takes the partnership to the next level. The facility features the Boeing-COMAC joint venture completion center and a separate delivery center staffed and operated by Boeing. It will deliver more 737 airplanes to Chinese airlines in the future, he said.
An SUV with a Qualcomm-developed Snapdragon mobile platform at the CIIE.
Networking potential of CIIE stressed by Qualcomm chief
Frank Meng, chairman of Qualcomm China, emphasized the high value that the wireless communication technology company attaches to the China International Import Expo as an open cooperation platform that enables effective communication and assists expansion in opportunities, as demonstrated by its participation in the annual event for six years.
"Over the course of five years, the expo has witnessed a multitude of companies, including Qualcomm, transforming exhibits into products, supporting them to continuously expand business in China," Meng said at the sixth CIIE held in Shanghai from Nov 5 to 10.
Meng pointed out that the constant evolution of exhibits displayed by the company at the expo serves as a testament to the empowerment of 5G across myriad sectors.
During the sixth CIIE, Qualcomm displayed its latest technologies and platforms, including the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 flagship mobile platform and the new Snapdragon X Elite platform reference design, which is built for next-generation personal computer experiences. The company also presented new experiences made possible by 5G and artificial intelligence across various realms such as smartphones, automobiles, tablets and wearable devices.
Qualcomm first displayed a 5G prototype at the inaugural CIIE in 2018, at a time when 5G technology was not yet commercially available in China. However, in June 2019, China issued 5G licenses, marking a leap in its mobile communication networks.
In 2019, Chinese mobile phone manufacturers launched their first-generation 5G mobile phones. Qualcomm showcased more than 10 commercial 5G mobile phones and more than 10 5G modules at the second CIIE held later that year. At the third CIIE in 2020, Qualcomm unveiled a table tennis robot developed in collaboration with Shanghai University of Sport and Pongbot. This innovative product quickly became the center of attention, demonstrating the potential of 5G technology in various aspects of people's lives and work.
In 2021, Geely's luxury intelligent flagship SUV, the Lynk & Co 09, equipped with a third-generation Qualcomm Snapdragon automotive digital cockpit platform, made its debut at the Qualcomm booth.
During the fifth CIIE in 2022, Qualcomm introduced an innovative fusion experience zone that seamlessly integrated digital and physical elements, powered by technologies such as 5G, AI, and extended reality.
These technologies and products showcased by Qualcomm at the CIIE have encapsulated China's technological advancements, according to Meng.
China currently boasts the world's largest and most advanced 5G network, covering all urban areas of prefecture-level and county-level cities, with approximately 3.19 million 5G base stations and 737 million 5G mobile phone users as of September.
Qualcomm's collaboration with Chinese partners has played a crucial role in advancing technology development and introducing products to the global market.
Meng said nearly half of the launches worldwide — featuring Qualcomm's flagship mobile platforms — each year have been brought to consumers by Chinese smartphone companies.
Source: China Daily
