German company lauds China market as crucial to global business operations

China's ongoing reform and opening-up policies have created a vast developmental landscape for German enterprises, particularly in the areas of technology and science, as China has emerged not only as a critical market but also as a major driver of global innovation, said a senior executive of German optical systems and optoelectronics manufacturer Zeiss.

The China International Import Expo, a key initiative under the broader reform and opening-up agenda, has become a platform that boosts global economic confidence and dynamism and offers immense opportunities for multinational companies to thrive in the Chinese market, said Maximilian Foerst, president and CEO of Zeiss Greater China.

"As China matures technologically, we are seeing more and more local competitors within China's ecosystem," Foerst said during the expo. "If we want to be a successful global company, we must be an integrated part of that ecosystem. If not, we're missing out on the markets of tomorrow."

The Chinese market is of great importance to Zeiss. It is not only a crucial hub for product sales and manufacturing but also an indispensable element of its global business operations, he said.

In July, Zeiss opened its new R&D and manufacturing site in Suzhou, Jiangsu province, producing a range of cutting-edge devices, including research microscopes, surgical microscopes and ophthalmic equipment.

By setting up the Suzhou facility, Zeiss is doubling down on its localization commitment to the Chinese market and tapping into the country's technological capabilities to drive the next phase of its product development and high-end manufacturing, he said.

"In the coming years, our primary focus will be on driving innovation," Foerst said. "This is a direction where we are still in the process of ramping up our capabilities through R&D partnerships in China, as well as potential acquisitions in high-tech sectors."

wangkeju@chinadaily.com.cn