Allan Gabor, president of Merck China
A1In terms of performance materials, Merck has display solutions, surface solutions and semiconductor solutions. We will introduce our advanced performance materials used in electronics, smart devices and automobiles.
For the life sciences industry, Merck will present research, process and applied solutions and products, including Crispr (gene editing technology), lab water systems, cell counting and sterile sampling equipment, as well as a virtual reality system for customers to experience Merck’s latest life science products and solutions.
A2Merck decided to participate in the CIIE for three reasons. The first is to showcase leading products and technologies from all our businesses — healthcare, life sciences and performance materials.
The second is to strengthen relationships and dialogue with Chinese partners. We value our partnerships with Chinese customers and government and see the expo as an opportunity to deepen and broaden those relationships.
Thirdly, Merck is a company with a deep tradition in innovation. We’ve had many breakthrough products in our 350-year history. We launched our innovation hubs in February this year in China. The expo is a great platform to look for innovation partners, ideas and crosssector opportunities that will ultimately lead to more breakthroughs for China.
A3Industry upgrades are happening in every sector we are in. The CIIE is not only a stage for companies to demonstrate products and technologies but also a platform for partners to build dialogues. It will help create understanding and shape future industry development.
The CIIE also comes at a really good time when we are in face of confusion about world trade. China is an important country for Merck, we’re very committed to the country and look forward to further growth and opportunities to come.
A4For Merck, China’s opening-up has been transformative, creating tremendous demand and new opportunities across all our businesses. Take the pharmaceutical industry for example: urbanization, an aging population, and increased healthcare awareness have combined to create a surge of healthcare demand.
At the same time China is becoming more open to new ideas and investors. These factors lead to China’s demand for new medicines, new solutions and new ways of thinking.
China aims to become the world’ largest producer of displays and semiconductors. This ambition has positive implications for our performance materials business. Chinese manufacturers use our materials to give them a competitive edge in the world market. We are growing solidly along with our partners in all these areas. Our life science business is also seeing strong growth, driven by China’s transformation from labor-intensive manufacturing to an innovation-driven economy. This shift is pushing investment dollars — both for Merck and industrywide — into research and R&D, which is great for our life science business.
A5As a company operating in China for 85 years, Merck has great confidence in China’s economy in the future.
According to the 13th Five Year Plan (2016-20), China has strong needs in areas of healthcare, high quality food and drugs and solutions on environment protection where Merck can contribute with our products and innovations.
Moreover, China is to transform from labor/manufacturing-intensive development to an innovation-driven economy.
We are also excited about what we’re seeing in terms of Chinese innovation: from e-commerce to biosimilars development, it’s having a big impact on our strategy. That is why we decided to open Merck innovation hubs in China.