China vital engine for global economic growth

Q2 Are you confident about the Chinese economy over the long run? How would you rate your confidence in the Chinese economy?

PEI: We have strong confidence in China's economy. With its continued efforts to boost the economy post-COVID-19 and a persistent policy of high-quality development, we believe that China will see more vitality in its economy in the future.

At Astellas, we are committed to turning innovative science into value for patients. The demand for high-value, patient-centric healthcare solutions in those areas is on the rise, mostly driven by a large population and spending on healthcare, as well as increasing public awareness of health. In addition, we see China's strong commitment to innovation, and the innovation and creative potential of the whole society should be unleashed to the greatest extent. Innovation is the backbone of the pharma business. It is very encouraging for Astellas as a global innovator to further accelerate patient-centric innovation in China.

WANG: Today, as the global economy seeks to accelerate its restart, we are delighted to see that China has maintained its leading position. According to the latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics, China's GDP grew by 5.5 percent year-on-year in the first half of this year. As we enter the second half, many international organizations and institutions, including the United Nations, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, have raised their expectations for China's overall economic growth in 2023. China continues to be an important growth engine of the global economy.

We are confident in the long-term growth of China's economy. We believe that China's opening-up measures, continuous optimization of the business environment, sci-tech innovation, globalization of local business and other government efforts contribute to its economic growth.

HA: China has experienced exponential growth over the past decade and it is time for the economy to transition beyond manufacturing into a more mature and sustainable model. We are fully confident about China's long-term growth story, given the robust and supportive domestic policies in place and the entrepreneurial spirit and drive of the people. All these factors will continue to propel the economy and help China weather any short-term challenges. Sustainability is one example of positive change, and we have seen ambitious targets for China's transition plan as well as efforts to grow related industries such as electric vehicles, green finance, renewable energy and more.

WONG: At Halma, we build on our strategy for decades, not days. The Asia-Pacific, especially China, is a strategic market and growth engine for Halma for the next decade and beyond. We think that the Chinese market has huge potential and opportunities.

The "Healthy China 2030" plan sets out China's hugely ambitious long-term commitment to solving the challenges brought about by industrialization, urbanization, an aging population and the increasing prevalence of chronic lifestyle diseases. We provide leading technologies and digital solutions in health assessment, therapeutic solutions and life sciences. They can help our customers in China meet rising healthcare demands, tackle preventable diseases, and contribute to improved patient outcomes. In this way, we will live our purpose and build a healthier future for everyone in China.