Execs give China Import Expo the thumbs-up

Networking potential of CIIE stressed by Qualcomm chief

Frank Meng, chairman of Qualcomm China, emphasized the high value that the wireless communication technology company attaches to the China International Import Expo as an open cooperation platform that enables effective communication and assists expansion in opportunities, as demonstrated by its participation in the annual event for six years.

"Over the course of five years, the expo has witnessed a multitude of companies, including Qualcomm, transforming exhibits into products, supporting them to continuously expand business in China," Meng said at the sixth CIIE held in Shanghai from Nov 5 to 10.

Meng pointed out that the constant evolution of exhibits displayed by the company at the expo serves as a testament to the empowerment of 5G across myriad sectors.

During the sixth CIIE, Qualcomm displayed its latest technologies and platforms, including the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 flagship mobile platform and the new Snapdragon X Elite platform reference design, which is built for next-generation personal computer experiences. The company also presented new experiences made possible by 5G and artificial intelligence across various realms such as smartphones, automobiles, tablets and wearable devices.

Qualcomm first displayed a 5G prototype at the inaugural CIIE in 2018, at a time when 5G technology was not yet commercially available in China. However, in June 2019, China issued 5G licenses, marking a leap in its mobile communication networks.

In 2019, Chinese mobile phone manufacturers launched their first-generation 5G mobile phones. Qualcomm showcased more than 10 commercial 5G mobile phones and more than 10 5G modules at the second CIIE held later that year. At the third CIIE in 2020, Qualcomm unveiled a table tennis robot developed in collaboration with Shanghai University of Sport and Pongbot. This innovative product quickly became the center of attention, demonstrating the potential of 5G technology in various aspects of people's lives and work.

In 2021, Geely's luxury intelligent flagship SUV, the Lynk & Co 09, equipped with a third-generation Qualcomm Snapdragon automotive digital cockpit platform, made its debut at the Qualcomm booth.

During the fifth CIIE in 2022, Qualcomm introduced an innovative fusion experience zone that seamlessly integrated digital and physical elements, powered by technologies such as 5G, AI, and extended reality.

These technologies and products showcased by Qualcomm at the CIIE have encapsulated China's technological advancements, according to Meng.

China currently boasts the world's largest and most advanced 5G network, covering all urban areas of prefecture-level and county-level cities, with approximately 3.19 million 5G base stations and 737 million 5G mobile phone users as of September.

Qualcomm's collaboration with Chinese partners has played a crucial role in advancing technology development and introducing products to the global market.

Meng said nearly half of the launches worldwide — featuring Qualcomm's flagship mobile platforms — each year have been brought to consumers by Chinese smartphone companies.