MNCs unveil major China strategies

Recognizing the just-concluded China International Import Expo in Shanghai as a globally prominent platform and a vital bridge connecting the China market with global resources, foreign companies unveiled new development strategies and announced increased investments in China during the expo.

Gnosis, the human nutrition and health division of French biotechnology leader Lesaffre Group, unveiled its new global brand image and announced its deepened global and China strategies at the eighth CIIE, officially launching its development goals for 2030.

The company said it views China as a key area in its global strategic layout. In response to consumption upgrading toward high-end and functional products, its efforts will include focusing on Chinese consumers' needs and developing corresponding solutions, as well as investing in resources tailored to China and deepening key partnerships within the local industry chain.

"The CIIE is a perfect platform due to its scale and the customer base it attracts. This event is ideal for showcasing our new brand and vision: think like nature to raise human health, which aligns with the Healthy China 2030 initiative," said Lasse Sogaard, global head of commercial at Gnosis.

"The China market is a crucial pillar for us over the next decade," he said.

Meanwhile, United Kingdom-based pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca signed a cooperation agreement with the management committee of the Qingdao High-tech Industrial Development Zone, announcing an additional investment of about $136 million to expand the production capacity of its Qingdao supply base.

"Since 2023, we've announced investment of more than $1.8 billion in manufacturing in China. We now have four world-class manufacturing sites in China, which supply exports to over 70 markets around the world," said Tony Pusic, senior vice-president of Supply Asia Pacific at AstraZeneca.

The company also announced during the eighth CIIE that its production base in Taizhou, Jiangsu province, reached 10 billion yuan ($1.4 billion) in output value.

Since establishing its presence in Shanghai's Pudong New Area in 1994, Roche Pharma China has been dedicated to building and continuously upgrading a comprehensive pharmaceutical value chain encompassing early-stage research, drug development, production, marketing and open collaboration.

At the eighth CIIE, Roche showcased its complete industry chain layout for the first time. The display included the company's Shanghai headquarters, the Roche China Accelerator, and a panoramic view of the new biopharmaceutical production facility, which represents an investment of 2.04 billion yuan and was announced in May.

"This facility is the first of its kind among multinational pharmaceutical companies to achieve localized production of large-molecule antibody biologics in China. Roche plans to continue increasing its investment," said Bian Xin, CEO of Roche Pharma China.

Aiming to export Chinese medical standards and innovation capabilities, Fosun Health announced a collaboration between Guangzhou Fosun Chancheng Hospital and the Guangzhou Belt and Road Healthcare Center to jointly establish a medical service center in Bangladesh.

Fosun Health has been actively advancing such medical projects in countries and regions involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, including Bangladesh and Indonesia. Through the construction of overseas hospitals, joint labs and health management centers, it aspires to contribute Chinese expertise to healthcare development in those countries and regions.