As a leader with a Fortune 500 company, which sectors do you think offer the most opportunities for development?
Hunter: I see great opportunities for the development of the manufacturing industry. China is fostering smart manufacturing, which is similar to Industry 4.0 in Germany. Both seek to embed automation and digitalization to optimize the manufacturing process, and drive economic growth.
At Henkel, we have consistently grasped the great opportunities provided by digitalization and Industry 4.0. We have successfully piloted the smart factory concept at 10 sites across Asia. We want to accelerate digitalization along the entire value chain to achieve faster decision making, higher productivity, and greater safety and sustainability.
In addition, e-commerce in China is leading the world and will provide tremendous opportunities in the future. We have been taking this opportunity to cooperate with e-commerce platforms. For example, our beauty care business achieved great success on Alibaba. Our adhesive business also launched its flagship store on Alibaba.
Garnier: I think there are two. The first are innovation-based industries with new technology and high quality services. With the rise of the middle class, people's consumption demands have been transformed gradually from prices and costs to the pursuit of lifestyle.
That is why we launched the "multi-format and multi-channel strategy". Scientific innovation has become a driving force for development. In the future, high quality produce, will be extremely popular with customers.
Secondly, sustainable industries such as health, cultural and environmental protection will promote China's status on the global stage. After all, sustainable development is a topic that the entire world is concerned about.
What opportunities will the Belt and Road Initiative throw up for China and the rest of the world?
Hunter: The Belt and Road Initiative creates considerable demand for products, investment and economic cooperation. It stimulates the expansion and upgrading of China's manufacturing industry, as well as providing greater market opportunities for the development of China's economy.
As a multinational company, we are delighted to help facilitate the upgrading of China's manufacturing industry and grasp the market opportunities generated by cooperation. The Belt and Road Initiative has also set a great example for international cooperation. This will strengthen the foundation for the long-term stable growth of the world's economy.
Garnier: China has developed economic partnerships with economies along the Belt and Road Initiative. I see it as a 21st century "Silk Road "and an extremely admirable project. China always embraces societies with openness and inclusion.
The country has established friendly relationships with neighbors and promotes cooperation and collaboration with major nations.
