Execs share upbeat outlook on future biz environment

Q3 Innovation has been the bedrock of China's modernization. What new opportunities can you foresee for the world in China's pursuit of innovation-powered high-quality development?

MUKUND: In the past, China was often dubbed a big manufacturing power, but in recent years, we have seen more and more innovative icons in China: aerospace, artificial intelligence, new energy vehicles and more, and in many subsectors it has achieved curve overtaking and become a leader. It is not hard to imagine that China's existing huge manufacturing base, with policies and guidelines for innovation-driven high-quality development, will stimulate more vigorous modern market demands and foster broad employment opportunities while promoting the connectivity of a globalized economy, culture and technology, and create more possibilities for the sustainable development of human society.

WU: Technological innovation is a major driving force for cross-border e-commerce to achieve high-level development in the future. Currently, the emerging sector as a new form of foreign trade has huge development potential that not only stabilizes foreign trade amid global economic uncertainties, but also drives consumption growth and provides marketing opportunities, which further brings an increased demand for international logistics. With its worldwide network and breadth of industries served, DHL Express is able to accommodate fast-changing trade flows and facilitate the surge in cross-border e-commerce.

BURRAGE: China is now leading in many high-tech innovations, from information technology, the internet and artificial intelligence to smart manufacturing and biotech. With the innovation-driven development strategy, China is striving to become more independent in scientific research and R&D of cutting-edge technology. The core of innovation is talent. At Hays, we have seen a substantial increase in talent in China's high-tech sectors. From the perspective of talent, sectors such as IT, AI, biotech, sustainability and smart manufacturing will continue to maintain enormous growth potential. Both employers and candidates will benefit from these opportunities.

DEPOUX: Looking forward, many opportunities are revolving around modernization and decarbonization in the Chinese economy. Since 2021, an increasing emphasis has been put on China's industrial modernization. The effort to peak and neutralize greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and 2060 is the key to maintaining competitiveness, and it will drive further acceleration of modernization. China has demonstrated its innovation capability and is leapfrogging and gaining leadership globally in areas such as the electric vehicle chain from batteries to charging infrastructure, solar photovoltaic cells, wind turbines and nuclear and telecommunications equipment. We anticipate that in the near future, global competitiveness will be more and more driven by Chinese technological innovation.

BOZEC: China has bred many cutting-edge innovations, and its innovation capability in the digital economy is world-leading. Especially in the new retail environment, digital transformation is accelerating at an unprecedented speed across the industry, and online and offline integrated development has been dedicated to satisfying the public need for an enhanced experience and a better lifestyle.

For Tapestry, China is not only a vital market but also a source of inspiration for brands to seek innovation. We have built a strong local team for digital innovation, which we will continue to strengthen while working closely with local digital partners here.