Rising to the COVID-19 Challenge: Strengthening the “China Link” in Global I …

China’s comprehensive industrial system, sound infrastructure and steady policies all contributed to the gradual growth of its manufacturing sector into a key link in the global industrial and supply chains.

The COVID-19 pandemic puts the global industrial and supply chains in frequent high risks of disruption which was initially and acutely felt by the Chinese manufacturers. They responded to this immediate challenge by promptly adjusting management and operation against all odds.

Measures like accelerated application of 4IR technologies like 5G, IIOT, big data, block-chain and AI, adoption of new business models and solutions like virtual R&D collaboration, unmanned production and remote operation & maintenance, as well as innovatively leveraging IIOT and online marketplace for contingent business solutions helped to mitigate “disruption risks” and gradually put the industrial supply chains running again enabling resumption of work and production at an early date.

By restoring stability in supply chain in the Chinese market in a time when COVID-19 was not yet under effective control globally, Chinese manufacturers proved themselves to be a crucial stabilizer for global industrial and supply chains. What specific China experience could be shared globally? How do we plan for the future facing the global industrial and supply chain restructuring and the unprecedented recession in the post-pandemic world?

• In coping with the pandemic, what effective measures have been taken at the corporate and industry level of China’s manufacturing sector? What experience can be shared globally in the fight against the pandemic? (What positive role do digitisation and the NGIT played?)
• Facing cross-border risk exposure and the localization, regionalization and decentralisation trends in the global industrial and supply chains, what specific digital transformation measures or business strategy adjustments can significantly improve a company’s resilience and sustainability? Upon the COVID-19 outbreak, certain countries claim to consider to shift their supply chains and facilities away from China. How does the Chinese industrial community evaluate such claim and respond accordingly?
• What major challenges do enterprises with international business face under the tremendous pressure of the current global recession? What policy advocacy or global business initiatives could be promoted at the international level to improve the global business environment?

Confirmed Speakers

• Ms. Xiaolei Zhao, Head of Investment and Technology Promotion Office (ITPO) Shanghai, UNIDO
• Ms. Haiqin Xie, Vice President, Haier COSMOPlat IOT Ecological Technology Co., Ltd.
• Mr. Daniel Zhang, Executive Director and Social Responsibility Principal of BROAD Group (and General Manager of BROAD Core Digital Technology Co., Ltd
• Mr. Qizhong Liu, Executive Member of the Board, Vice President & Chief Compliance Officer, Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries. Co., Ltd. (ZPMC)