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Siemens China's role: creating value in a responsible and sustainable way
Hello, you are now listening to “Siemens FM 1847”! CEO Siemens Greater China Lothar Herrmann has recently received an interview with China Daily. Mr. Herrmann shared his views on the Belt and Road Initiative, digitalization and China’s Reform and Opening-up. This is an excerpt of the interview which was originally published on China Daily on March 30.
Q: Please use three words to describe China's changes inthe past 40 years.
Development, speed and ambition.
Q: What are the biggest achievements in China since the introduction of the reform and opening-up policy 40 years ago?
The past 40 years was a remarkable journey for China's transformation in terms of development. China experienced an impressive rise, becoming the world's second largest economy. China has also become a growth engine for the global economy.
Q: Has competition intensified between your company and Chinese companies?
The rise of Chinese companies in the global arena is an impressive reflection of China's economic takeoff. China clearly benefited from opening up and now influences the global value chain. In Siemens' 170-year history, we always stand out from competition. Now, in the era of globalization and digitalization, the world is getting more and more connected. So competition may also mean cooperation. In the past year alone, we have agreed on cooperation with many Chinese companies such as HBIS Group, Baowu Group, Jinyu Biotechnology, Cathay Industrial Biotech and Jomoo, to provide solutions for digital upgrading, and to help them to benefit from digital transformation.
Q: How do you view China's role in the world today?
China's role in the global arena is obviously evolving as the country is playing an irreplaceable role in the discussion of many major global issues such as global economic imbalances, trade conflicts and environmental challenges. I hope that developments like the Belt and Road Initiative will continue to inject new meaning into China's reform and opening-up, and drive a much globalized reform path toward an open, inclusive and balanced economic cooperation architecture that benefits all. It has the potential to be the most important and impactful global infrastructure program of our times.
Siemens welcomes the B&R Initiative－reaching out to the world, connecting people and economies. With our unique profile, global footprint and strong base in China, we want to help to make the B&R Initiative a success for everyone, with sustainable, environmentally friendly, job-creating projects that improve the lives of the people in countries and regions involved in the B&R Initiative and beyond.
Q: What measures are needed if China wants to deepen reforms?
We appreciate the efforts and commitment made by the Chinese government to improve business environment, open access of foreign investment, protect IPR, promote fair competition and regularize the market. We hope for a "level playing field" where Chinese and German companies have equal opportunities. This should include, for example, effective and reliable protection of intellectual property rights as well as the adoption of joint international technology standards－especially in future growth fields like Industry 4.0 and Made in China 2025.
Q: What is the most unforgettable experience you have had inChina?
In October 1985, Siemens and China's former Ministry of Machinery, Electric and Electronic Industries signed a Memorandum of Comprehensive Cooperation to jointly promote the country's machinery, electric and electronic industries－the first agreement of this kind after the country opened and reformed itself.
After that, Siemens China was established in 1994 and became the first holding company formed by a foreign investor in China. At that time, the Wangjing area, where Siemens is now located, was no more than wild grassland. Even taxi drivers were reluctant to go there. In 1995 alone, Siemens established as many as 13 operating companies here. I was also personally involved in setting up most of the production facilities.
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By 西门子调频1847Hello, you are now listening to “Siemens FM 1847”! CEO Siemens Greater China Lothar Herrmann has recently received an interview with China Daily. Mr. Herrmann shared his views on the Belt and Road Initiative, digitalization and China’s Reform and Opening-up. This is an excerpt of the interview which was originally published on China Daily on March 30.
Q: Please use three words to describe China's changes inthe past 40 years.
Development, speed and ambition.
Q: What are the biggest achievements in China since the introduction of the reform and opening-up policy 40 years ago?
The past 40 years was a remarkable journey for China's transformation in terms of development. China experienced an impressive rise, becoming the world's second largest economy. China has also become a growth engine for the global economy.
Q: Has competition intensified between your company and Chinese companies?
The rise of Chinese companies in the global arena is an impressive reflection of China's economic takeoff. China clearly benefited from opening up and now influences the global value chain. In Siemens' 170-year history, we always stand out from competition. Now, in the era of globalization and digitalization, the world is getting more and more connected. So competition may also mean cooperation. In the past year alone, we have agreed on cooperation with many Chinese companies such as HBIS Group, Baowu Group, Jinyu Biotechnology, Cathay Industrial Biotech and Jomoo, to provide solutions for digital upgrading, and to help them to benefit from digital transformation.
Q: How do you view China's role in the world today?
China's role in the global arena is obviously evolving as the country is playing an irreplaceable role in the discussion of many major global issues such as global economic imbalances, trade conflicts and environmental challenges. I hope that developments like the Belt and Road Initiative will continue to inject new meaning into China's reform and opening-up, and drive a much globalized reform path toward an open, inclusive and balanced economic cooperation architecture that benefits all. It has the potential to be the most important and impactful global infrastructure program of our times.
Siemens welcomes the B&R Initiative－reaching out to the world, connecting people and economies. With our unique profile, global footprint and strong base in China, we want to help to make the B&R Initiative a success for everyone, with sustainable, environmentally friendly, job-creating projects that improve the lives of the people in countries and regions involved in the B&R Initiative and beyond.
Q: What measures are needed if China wants to deepen reforms?
We appreciate the efforts and commitment made by the Chinese government to improve business environment, open access of foreign investment, protect IPR, promote fair competition and regularize the market. We hope for a "level playing field" where Chinese and German companies have equal opportunities. This should include, for example, effective and reliable protection of intellectual property rights as well as the adoption of joint international technology standards－especially in future growth fields like Industry 4.0 and Made in China 2025.
Q: What is the most unforgettable experience you have had inChina?
In October 1985, Siemens and China's former Ministry of Machinery, Electric and Electronic Industries signed a Memorandum of Comprehensive Cooperation to jointly promote the country's machinery, electric and electronic industries－the first agreement of this kind after the country opened and reformed itself.
After that, Siemens China was established in 1994 and became the first holding company formed by a foreign investor in China. At that time, the Wangjing area, where Siemens is now located, was no more than wild grassland. Even taxi drivers were reluctant to go there. In 1995 alone, Siemens established as many as 13 operating companies here. I was also personally involved in setting up most of the production facilities.