Global biz execs upbeat on annual meetings' aims

A1 In recent years, we have witnessed a historic transformation of Chinese society culminating in the elimination of absolute poverty and the development of a moderately prosperous society in all respects. Underlying these accomplishments are strategic reforms predicated on inclusiveness, rule of law and the continued development of an innovation-driven economy and ecosystem in China.

For the innovative pharmaceutical industry, this has led to important opportunities to bring innovative healthcare solutions to Chinese patients. The two sessions will lead to more meaningful discussions and productive policies that further support innovative solutions to improve healthcare for Chinese people.

A2 We look forward to expanding our partnerships with the local healthcare ecosystem to bring our latest innovations to Chinese patients. Additionally, Novartis has set ambitious environmental sustainability targets to be fully carbon neutral, plastic neutral and water sustainable by 2030. In China, this includes adding solar energy to our Changping manufacturing site in Beijing, bringing green chemistry to our R&D facilities and surrounding communities, and a 30-year commitment to afforest 21 million trees in Sichuan province.

A3 I am very proud of our progress and expect China to become our second-largest market by 2025. We have benefited from China's ongoing economic reforms and opening-up policies. From 2015 to 2020, we received 30 new drug approvals, and will file up to 50 new drug applications in the 2020 to 2024 period.

A4 Drug discovery and improving access to healthcare is a team sport. We are proud to partner with medical institutions to improve standards of care; to collaborate with local companies to bring innovation to China and global markets; to work with cutting-edge technology companies to improve disease management; and to collaborate with the Hainan Boao Lecheng International Medical Tourism Pilot Zone in Hainan province and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to bring the latest innovative drugs to patients as early as possible.

A5 We have been deeply committed to China for more than 135 years and are optimistic about our future. Our name, "Nuo Hua" literally means "commitment to China". We will continue to invest in initiatives that contribute to improving the health and wellbeing of the Chinese people, including an ambitious plan to file up to 50 new drug applications between 2020 and 2024, and to achieve 90 percent of China filings simultaneously with the rest of the world by 2024. This will translate into an improved standard of care, support for local communities and unwavering commitment to talent development and to China.