What business leaders are watching at CIIE: Part I

What are the highlights of your exhibits at the China International Import Expo? Are you launching any new products, technologies or solutions?

In addition to introducing Schindler's history, milestones and values, we will highlight our new technology solution – Schindler Ahead – which can connect all elevators, escalators and moving walks to the Internet, capture real-time data and use big data analysis and AI to predict maintenance needs. It can fundamentally change the existing way of maintenance and repair, providing better, more reliable service to customers, property management companies and end-users as well.

Moreover, we will showcase the spirit of craftsmanship and quality which we have inherited from over 140 years since its foundation of Schindler in Switzerland in 1874.

In terms of deals, what do you expect from the CIIE? Whom are you targeting?

As one of the world's leading providers of elevators, escalators, moving walks and related services including installation, maintenance and modernization, Schindler was invited by the Chinese government to be part of this world-level gala. Our escalators and elevators move over 1 billion people per day. However, the fourth industrial revolution is now coming, we are looking for more cross-industry cooperation opportunities and we also want to use this stage to make the public be aware of Schindler's leading technology – Schindler Ahead, an innovative piece of Internet of Things – to achieve smart unban mobility.

Do you think the CIIE could eventually help drive the development or upgrade of the industry your company is in, and your company's strategy in China?

Schindler has been very active in infrastructure projects in China, like airports, metro lines, etc. A number of our customers in China over the last few years have expanded their business to other countries in Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa to participant in the Belt and Road Initiative. We believe CIIE will become one of the important factors of energizing modern industry's development.

What's your view on China's pledge to further open up its markets to foreign companies? How would that benefit your business? Any specific examples?

Schindler established the first Sino-Western industrial joint venture in 1980, just after the Chinese government announced the opening up and reforms of the economy. We are proud that we are growing together with Chinese economy and we are one of the first foreign companies to have contributed to and benefited from China's reform and opening up. During the past three decades, Schindler has built up its reputation of safety and good quality. We have won string market share in China. Many of our reference projects are well-known, such as, Shanghai Tower, 2010 Expo China Pavilion, China World Trade Center Tower 3, National Stadium, Shenzhen Tencent Tower, Shenzhen Ping An Tower etc.

What is your forecast for China's economy in the next three years? What key issues will you be watching for?

Despite the uncertainty of global economy, we are still confident in China's future economy. Schindler has frequently said that China is the "second planet" for Schindler. With the opening of the new escalator plant in 2014 and elevator plant in 2015 in Shanghai's Jiading district, and the relocation of Schindler Zone China head offices to Schindler City in Jiading in September 2016, Schindler is committed to providing leading technologies and excellent services to China market for a long run.

As for the elevator and escalator industry, we will pay more attentions to the opportunities and challenges brought about by urbanization and aging population as well as aging buildings. Furthermore, the desire of Chinese people to improve their living conditions due to their increasing incomes has drawn our attentions in these years and this will be continued in the upcoming.