As a key contributor to global economic growth, China has consistently upheld the principles of openness and mutual benefit, continuously optimizing its business environment to boost confidence among multinational companies operating in the country. Recently, Peter Arduini, Global President and CEO of GE Healthcare, shared his insights in an exclusive interview, emphasizing China's commitment to high-level openness. He noted that this approach provides strong support for multinational corporations like GE Healthcare to deepen their presence in the Chinese market and expand investments, which is crucial for global openness and development.
GE Healthcare's engagement with China dates back to 1897 when its X-ray machines first served Chinese patients. In 1991, the company established its first joint-venture manufacturing facility in China. Over recent years, GE Healthcare has significantly increased its investments in China, setting up six production bases, over 30 offices, and three "Innovation Centers" in Beijing, Wuxi (Jiangsu), and Shanghai. Today, the company employs more than 7,000 people in China, with its local R&D team expanding to 1,800 members and 150 innovative products launched in the market.
"China has become an indispensable part of GE Healthcare's global innovation strategy. Our recent increase in innovation investment here reflects our strong confidence in the Chinese market," Arduini remarked.
Acknowledging the challenges multinational companies face due to geopolitical factors, Arduini praised China's efforts to create a dynamic, open, and resilient market. He highlighted that a series of reforms have benefited both domestic and international businesses, fostering win-win outcomes. "From infrastructure development to talent cultivation, China has provided tremendous support to GE Healthcare, forming a solid foundation for our operations here," he said.
The Chinese government's emphasis on innovation and proactive policy support for multinational corporations, including robust intellectual property protection, has been particularly encouraging. GE Healthcare has recently localized some of its IP in China. Additionally, many of the company's new products under development are closely tied to its Chinese production bases in terms of component sourcing and investment planning.
China's vast market, complete industrial chain, and supply chain, coupled with its growing scientific research and innovation capabilities, present new opportunities for multinational companies. "To thrive in China, we must focus on local design and manufacturing, leveraging both the strengths of the Chinese market and our own expertise," Arduini explained.
In recent years, GE Healthcare has designed and produced several products in China, such as surgical robots, various C-arm devices, and PET-CT medical imaging equipment. China's advancements in software, machinery, electrical engineering, and AI integration have also positioned it as a key hub for innovation. "We benefit from China's technological progress and talent development and will continue to expand our independent R&D investments here," Arduini added.
As one of the earliest multinational companies to enter China, GE Healthcare remains committed to the market for the long term. "We firmly believe that success in China is vital for GE Healthcare's global growth," Arduini stated.
Having frequently visited China since the 1990s, Arduini has witnessed the rapid development of Chinese cities firsthand. "In China, I feel the spirit of 'daring to think and act.' GE Healthcare will continue to deepen cooperation with Chinese partners, share the opportunities of China's market growth, and extend more collaborative achievements globally," he said.
Arduini also expressed hope for stable U.S.-China relations: "Finding effective ways to cooperate will benefit both nations and the world. For multinational companies from both countries, policy stability and continuity are of great significance. We sincerely hope the U.S. and China can maintain constructive dialogue and improve bilateral relations, injecting more positive energy into global development."