Interview: Bayer CEO optimistic about expanding Chinese market

SHANGHAI, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Bill Anderson, CEO of Bayer AG, emphasized China's important role as a strategic pillar for the company's global business operations and shared his commitment to future investment in China in a recent interview with Xinhua.

Earlier this week, Anderson, as one of the representatives of the German business community, accompanied Federal Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz on a visit to China.

"I'd like to seize every valuable opportunity to visit China, engage with Chinese leaders, connect more closely with our customers, and gain deeper insights into the market," said Anderson, adding that this will enable the company to accelerate innovation, expand investment, and enhance its ability to better serve patients, consumers, and growers.

As a German healthcare and agribusiness giant, Bayer's business operations in China span over 140 years. The company boasts approximately 8,000 employees and multiple research, development and innovation centers and supply centers in China.

Today, China is one of the most important strategic pillars of Bayer's global business and one of the top markets for the company's three divisions -- pharmaceuticals, consumer health, and crop science.

Regarding Bayer's investment roadmap for China, Anderson said that a new open-innovation platform focused on cell and gene therapy is set to open in Shanghai this year. The company is also gearing up to establish a new crop science facility in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, and a new consumer health innovation center in Shanghai.

"China's commitment to high-quality development is very encouraging. I'm sure investment will continue in the future," Anderson said.

Anderson told Xinhua that he is confident about China's long-term development and has seen great potential in the Chinese market. "The Chinese economy showed good resilience," he noted, while adding that China's GDP growth had invigorated the global economy.

During the interview, Anderson also expressed optimism about the prospects for Sino-German economic and trade cooperation. "China is Germany's biggest trade partner and one of the biggest markets for Bayer. I hope these relationships can continue to prosper for the good of the global economy and sustainable development."