CEOs optimistic as Davos convenes

Mark Gibbs, global SVP and president, SAP Greater China.

A1 We believe China's economy will continue to grow steadily in 2017. As China is deepening reforms and promoting innovation, we see enormous growth opportunities driven by government initiatives, e.g., Internet+ and Made in China 2025. While China's economy is shifting from investment and export to service and consumption, customer-facing industries are seeing higher growth than average.

We see external uncertainty as a major challenge, as the global environment is getting more complex.

A2 We have aligned our strategies accordingly. For example:

Big Data Innovation: SAP technology on Big Data and Internet of Things (IoT) to allow companies in China to re-imagine their business models and work processes.

Smart manufacturing: At the 3rd World Internet Conference, "SAP Industry 4.0 Connected Manufacturing Solution" won the "Leading Internet Scientific and Technology Achievements" award.

Urbanization: Smart Traffic covers passengers and cargo. For efficiency and safety, SAP Innovation Center Nanjing is building a system to understand traffic flow of Nanjing in real-time.

A3 We will continue to focus on helping Chinese customers accelerate their digital transformation through our innovations in Cloud and Big Data.

A4 It's an opportunity for SAP to demonstrate our greatest competitive advantage－we are a "truly global company" and a leading innovator, we have confidence in our resilience and ability to withstand fluctuations.

A5 Over the past 21 years, SAP has invested heavily in China, including a $2 billion China Growth Plan announced in 2011.

China is SAP's second home. In 2013, SAP Greater China became a stand-alone region, reporting to the SAP Board directly. It demonstrates our long-term commitment in China.

Talented people are the most valued assets of SAP China. We will continue to invest in our people and build a diverse and inclusive culture.