Keeping good company

The awardees and their families are entitled to apply for permanent residency, which is one of the benefits and privileges granted by the Shanghai government.

"This award has brought to my life and the life of my family some relevant practical advantages under the form of permanent resident's permit," Gimeno says.

"Very factually, when it comes to living in China and traveling abroad, we are treated as if we were Chinese citizens, which is certainly a privilege."

The world is going through times affected by factors such as the pandemic and some countries' trade policies, and global trade has been blocked by certain countries' protective measures-many economies have suffered or faced high tariffs or trade measures in the process, he says.

However, Gimeno takes a long-term perspective.

He understands that the general trend remains largely unchanged by temporary measures. "It will not have the capacity to stop the course of things," says Gimeno.

Entering China in 1985, Saint-Gobain runs one large-scale research and development center and over 40 manufacturing facilities, with over 8,000 employees, across the country.

As China has successfully mitigated the impact of the pandemic, Gimeno says the country will remain a competitive supply-chain choice for Saint-Gobain.

"After the dramatic drop caused by the contagion during the months of February and March in 2020, our company recovered the level of activity of 2019 from April in China," says Gimeno.

"We experienced a significant and progressive acceleration of demand in the Chinese market over the summer (last year). The company has enjoyed double-digit growth since September. We hope this trend will continue this year."

For Saint-Gobain, the most relevant part of China's 14th Five-Year Plan is the commitment to research and development, technology, innovation and sustainability. All these elements are the pillars of the new economic model of this country, he says.

Gimeno's opinion is shared by Kamran Vossoughi, president and CEO of Michelin China, a Shanghai-based French mobility company, who says many global business leaders have found that China is opening its door wider to welcome foreign investment.

"Over the years, the opening-up initiatives have been constantly updated and upgraded. The new negative lists in China's pilot free trade zones are proof," says Vossoughi.

"China's openness and welcoming attitude allows foreign companies to come to invest more conveniently and confidently. This will enable companies, China and the world to achieve a win-win situation."

Rajat Agarwal, president of Henkel China, a German industrial and consumer goods manufacturer, says with China leading the global economic recovery after COVID-19, the country's mega market, optimized business environment and status as the biggest trading partner of more than 120 countries and regions will continue to generate big dividends for global companies in the long run.

Gimeno says he likes green tea, outdoor activities and spending time with his family. He visits museums and art galleries to learn about Chinese history and literature, and tries not to miss games of Real Madrid, the Spanish soccer club, in his spare time.

He has participated in Shanghai marathons and visited Sichuan, Yunnan, Henan and Anhui provinces. His favorite Chinese dishes are from Sichuan, Guangdong and Shanghai.