Nexans CEO talks with People's Daily

Expand markets to achieve Win-Win

The following content is a translation for the article published on Feb.1 on People's Daily.

Reporter: Li Yan

“China’s speeding up constructing new development and its steady and continuous opening up have raised the expectations and confidence of foreign investors.” Christopher Guérin, CEO of Nexans Group expressed during the virtual interview.

Headquarter in Paris, France, Nexans is one of the largest manufacturers of wires and cables in the world. Nexans entered China in 1980s with major business of imported cables from Europe. “Over 40 years of opening up, China is increasing its economic growth with positive trends of development. The domestic market is more and more important. Nexans will continue increasing investment in China with in-depth local strategy,” Christopher Guérin addressed that China's stable environment of development ensures Nexans to expand its global business.

In 2001, Nexans set the headquarter of Nexans Great China in Shanghai. In 2015, Shanghai became not only the headquarter of Nexans Asia Pacific, but also Industry, Solutions and Project (ISP) Business Group. “ We have plants in Suzhou, Jiangsu and Yanggu, Shandong. The products produced in China have been exported to Singapore, Japan, Australia, South America and etc. The value of our global supply chain is sharply elevated. China market supports us to strength global collaborations.” Christopher Guérin added.

China is the only major nation which gained positive economic growth in 2020 with a GDP of over 100 trillion RMB. Chris thought the excellent performance relied on the decisions and actions of continuous opening up. The effectiveness of Foreign Investment Law of China improves the environment of business; The success of CIIE(China International Import&Export Exhibition) and CIFTIS(China International Fair For Trade In Services) have created the platforms to exchange the latest technologies and demonstrate the innovations; The publication of Catalogue of Encouraged Industries for Foreign Investment (2020 edition) further strengths the confidence of foreign companies to China market. These measures are fully demonstrating the confidence and decisions from China government to boost high qualify opening up, and releasing important key messages –adhering to opening up, cooperation, unity and win-win, China welcomes co-development with all parties. Chris addressed, China’s economy is in steady recovery with increased domestic demand. The smoother of domestic circulation, the more attractive for global resources. China is continuously promoting the recovery of world economy.

During the 13th Five-Year Plan period, China achieved outstanding performance in smart manufacturing and breakthroughs in rolling stocks, aerospace, electrical equipment and etc. “We desire to be part of China’s smart industries,” Guérin introduced, Nexans invested 17 million RMB in 2019 to increase the production line for automation cables in Nexans Suzhou plant. The newly built testing center in Suzhou for automation cables fulfills the fast increasing robotic market. Nowadays, New Infrastructure is boosting the high-quality development, provides opportunities for foreign companies to upgrade innovations. To better satisfy the demand from China market, Nexans will increase investment in projects of Artificial Intelligence, Industry of Internet, 5G and area of renewable energy, which will also benefit our global business.

In face of challenges from pandemic, it’s important to co-promote key projects of “One Belt, One Road” and reinforce collaborations for mutual benefits. Guérin mentioned, co-construction of “One Belt, One Road” offers feasibility for foreign companies to consolidate their positions in China market, explore the opportunities in related regions. “ Nexans will provide advanced cables and solutions to developing countries related to “One Belt, One Road”. Improving the local infrastructure will also support Nexans to explore overseas markets. It’s a win-win strategy. “

When global challenges are in place, countries realized that we’re in one community with shared future when economic globalization is irreversible. China is persist of economic globalization to share experience and benefits from development to other countries. The steady development of China’s economy will enhance the recovery and growth of global economy.