London, May 29 (Xinhua) -- "We participated in the inaugural China International Supply Chain Expo last year, and the impact was very positive, which strengthened our confidence in further investing in China. We look forward to participating again this year," said Sheena Behn, vice president of Global Supply Chain at the British pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, at a roadshow event for the second China International Supply Chain Expo held in London recently.
According to Behn, in recent years, AstraZeneca has established production bases in Taizhou, Qingdao, and Wuxi, making these sites key links in their entire chain of drug research, production, and market expansion.
Sherard Cowper-Coles, chairman of the China-Britain Business Council, and Jack Perry, chairman of the 48 Group Club, along with other industry insiders, believe that the importance of the China International Supply Chain Expo lies in the interconnected nature of the global economy. By actively participating in the expo, British companies can find their place in the global supply chain, leverage their expertise, and successfully integrate into the global economy.
"China is a crucial part of the global supply chain and one of the world's most important markets. The International Supply Chain Expo organized by China is a very important platform for promoting the stable development of the world supply chain," said Cowper-Coles.
This view aligns with that of Ren Hongbin, chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT).
"China and the UK have unique strengths in green economy, digital technology, and artificial intelligence. Supporting cooperation between enterprises of the two countries is conducive to maintaining the resilience and stability of the China-UK supply chain and expanding the breadth and depth of bilateral economic and trade relations. At the first expo, many British companies, including Rio Tinto, AstraZeneca, HSBC, Standard Chartered, and Ernst & Young, participated together with their supply chain partners, achieving good results. This year, we welcome more British companies to participate. CCPIT is willing to join hands with all parties to uphold the 'icebreaking' spirit through practical actions, acting as a promoter of Sino-British friendship, a facilitator of mutually beneficial cooperation, and a defender of a stable and smooth industrial and supply chain, writing a new chapter of cooperation between the business communities of our two countries," Ren said at the roadshow.
In the view of Zheng Zeguang, Chinese Ambassador to the UK, the expo not only reflects the Chinese government's commitment to higher-level openness but also its ultimate goal of benefiting humanity through its efforts.
"The Chinese government supports the supply chain expo because it leverages the comparative advantages and potential of various regions around the world through this platform, improves production and research levels, and thus promotes the continuous and stable development of the world economy and society," Zheng said at the roadshow.
The second China International Supply Chain Expo is scheduled to be held in Beijing from November 26 to 30, 2024, featuring exhibition areas for advanced manufacturing chains, intelligent vehicle chains, green agriculture chains, clean energy chains, digital technology chains, healthy living chains, and supply chain services.
(Contributed by Zhang Yadong, edited by Yang Linlin with Xinhua Silk Road, linlinyanglyn@163.com)
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