Driving consumption through innovation

Q4 China is stepping up efforts to promote high-end manufacturing, the digital economy, and upgraded services. In this context, is your company planning to increase investments, establish new partnerships, or expand R&D capabilities in China? What are the core objectives of your long-term strategy in the Chinese market?

HOMMA: From 2020 to the present, we have initiated the construction and investment of 19 new bases nationwide. With an investment of 50 million yuan ($6.95 million), the large-diameter battery production line of Panasonic Energy (Wuxi) achieved official mass production and shipments in April. The new factories of Panasonic Industrial Devices Materials (Suzhou) and Panasonic Factory Solutions Suzhou are also under construction. In July, Panasonic will build another new electronic device materials factory in Fengxian district of Shanghai, contributing to China's semiconductor industry. Additionally, Panasonic has collaborated with fund companies to invest in clean energy, mobility technology and innovative consumption. Beyond the investment returns from the funds themselves, these collaborations also bring us the latest information and development trends in emerging industries. Panasonic will advance its business development following the two major directions, namely, "in China for China" and "in China for Global". Leveraging the cost, speed, and model advantages accumulated in China, Panasonic will accelerate its empowerment for global development based on the Chinese market.

SHIH: China's efforts to pursue high-quality development, such as high-end manufacturing, the digital economy and upgraded services, give Rockwell great anticipation for our future growth in the local market. With over 30 years of development in the Chinese mainland, we've witnessed the power and potential driven by China's development. Looking ahead, Rockwell's vision is to utilize our DNA advantage — the horizontal integration ability to build a platform that connects the supply side and demand side and garner cross-border partners. As for the Climate Lighthouse initiative, this year Rockwell established the Climate Lighthouse ecological alliance to expand our joint efforts on the climate change issue. We aim to involve international use cases in the action plan next year and bring more cooperation opportunities to the local market. Rockwell will leverage our global network and over a century of expertise in smart manufacturing to accelerate the journey of local partners to both industrial and green sustainability, co-contributing to a better human society within the Chinese market.

ZHU: Accenture has been operating in the Chinese mainland for nearly 40 years and will continue to be committed to helping businesses grow in China. In leveraging the power of reinvention in action, Accenture has been strengthening capabilities in data and AI, shaping fit-for-purpose solutions and creating great experiences for clients and partners. Now it is a pivotal moment for Chinese companies to drive productivity and growth, enhance resilience, and innovate boldly to lead in the new frontier of growth. We are committed to better serving the needs of our clients, achieving profitable growth and creating 360-degree value for all our stakeholders in China.

OZAWA: Canon was among the first foreign companies to enter the Chinese market, and China has always been one of Canon's most important markets. Canon is committed to driving high-quality industrial development through technological innovation, contributing to China's digital economy. In fields such as optical imaging, printing, healthcare and semiconductor equipment, Canon integrates cutting-edge technologies like AI, big data, the internet of things and cloud computing to promote digital transformation and upgrading in relevant industries. High-quality development and new quality productive forces are key trends in China's market and Canon China is actively responding. If our performance in China continues to grow, we will increase our investment and expand our R&D capabilities to better meet the innovative demands of the Chinese market. Canon will also continue to explore new market segments such as medical imaging and sustainable solutions to meet China's needs for high-end technology and green products. We remain dedicated to our long-term goal of becoming No 1 in the Canon Group by 2035, and contributing more to China's high-quality development.