DUSSELDORF, Germany, June 14 (Xinhua) — German business leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the Chinese market at an “Invest in China” roundtable held in Dusseldorf on Friday, citing China’s market potential, innovation capabilities and improving business environment as key drivers for future growth.
Amid growing global economic uncertainty and protectionist pressures, German business leaders at the event stressed that deeper cooperation between China and Germany will create opportunities for both sides and support long-term growth.
Ling Ji, vice minister of commerce and deputy China international trade representative, said China and Germany are important trade and investment partners with deep economic ties and broad shared interests.
During China’s 15th Five-Year Plan period, China will continue to advance high-level opening-up and provide new growth opportunities for foreign businesses through its complete industrial system, dynamic innovation ecosystem and skilled workforce, Ling said.
Ling expressed hope that German companies will continue to support the stable development of China-Germany and China-European Union economic relations.
Chinese Consul General in Dusseldorf Yu Yong said an increasing number of German companies have shifted from an “In China, for China” approach to an “In China, for Global” strategy, viewing China as an important base for innovation and industrial development.
“This not only reflects the attractiveness of the Chinese market, but also demonstrates the strong momentum and resilience of China-Germany economic cooperation,” Yu said, adding that decades of cooperation have deeply integrated the industrial and supply chains of the two countries.
Thomas Becker, senior vice president of BMW Group, said China remains one of the company’s most important strategic markets and innovation centers.
“BMW will continue to increase investment in China, focusing on electrification, innovation and sustainable development,” he said.
Sebastien Gagnon-Messier, senior vice president of Merck Group, said the company remains confident about China’s economic prospects.
“China is not only one of the world’s most important markets, but also a key partner for innovation cooperation and industrial upgrading,” he said, adding that Merck Group plans to further expand its presence in China.
Matthias Berninger, executive vice president of Bayer, said China is Bayer’s second-largest market worldwide and a key pillar of its global innovation network and supply chain operations, and China’s continued opening-up in the healthcare sector will create additional opportunities for cooperation.
Volker Mansfeld, vice president of Henkel, said China’s pursuit of high-quality development and advanced manufacturing aligns closely with the company’s long-term strategy.
Henkel has continued to expand investment in China in recent years and will deepen cooperation with local partners to pursue shared growth, he said.
