Innovation, partnerships key to 'Healthy China'

A1 First, I would like to express my sincere congratulations on the centenary of the Communist Party of China and the amazing economic success achieved. By putting people first, the government has adopted concrete and productive measures to enhance Universal Health Coverage and increase the accessibility and affordability of high-quality medications. In that regard, Merck has proudly leveraged our global science and technology expertise toward tackling some of the biggest challenges when it comes to healthcare.

A2 China's determination to promote high-quality development and further opening up to the world reflects its global vision of seeking win-win development. While bringing benefits to its people, China's opening-up also provides a driving force for global development.

In terms of the healthcare industry, as a multinational company that has been deeply rooted in China, Merck has witnessed the gradual opening-up of China's pharmaceutical industry in terms of supply chains, R&D technologies, talent, management models, regulatory standards and policies after introducing foreign investment. We appreciate the great efforts made by the Chinese government. Win-win cooperation is now more essential than ever, especially as we continue to tackle this defining health crisis of our time.

A3 Talking about the "most attractive and promising part of the Chinese economy", I believe it will be the accelerated construction of a patient-centric innovation ecosystem and the continuous improvement of the innovation environment.

We have witnessed the thriving of many advanced local players and their ambition of going global with innovation potential backed by Chinese research in the areas of oncology and other innovative biomedicines. At the same time, drug authorities released policies to further boost innovation. These are good indications of the improving business environment of innovation in China. Merck expects more innovators from China and more possibilities to collaborate with them, which will lead the future success, and ultimately benefit patients in China and around the world.

A4 From my personal experience after coming to China, the popularization of digitalization is at a very high level. From mobile payments to online medical consultations and diagnosis, everything is going digital.

On that front, Merck is also taking new steps by working with the internet giants here in exploring new service models for patients relying on our medicines, and more importantly, on healthcare solutions beyond medication. We are happy to see the popularization of the internet and the accelerated construction of 5G networks in China. It will enable "internet + healthcare "to forge toward new heights. Looking upon this new peak, we need to be agile and further expand our ideas with leading local partners.

A5 From a healthcare perspective, I think prioritized areas should be innovation and collaboration.

To boost innovation, there should be a favorable environment and proper incentive system, and the readiness to turn innovation into productivity. The other area is collaboration. Despite complicated geopolitical uncertainties, both multinational companies and domestic innovative industrial leaders should manage to extend international collaboration to utilize the expertise and resources for the good of the Chinese people and the durable growth of the economy.