ZEISS Deepens Localization Strategy in China with Fifth CIIE Appearance and Enhanced Investment Commitments

ShanghaiNovember 6, 2022PR Newswire -- The 5th China International Import Expo (hereinafter referred to as "CIIE") is currently being held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). Carl Zeiss, one of the global leaders in optics and optoelectronics, participates in CIIE for the fifth consecutive year. Under the theme of "Shaping the Future with Technology," it showcases a series of innovative products and solutions from its four business areas: semiconductor manufacturing technology, industrial quality and research, medical technology, and optical consumer goods market at Booth B4-01, Hall 4.1. Carl Zeiss also appears at Booth A3-05 in the "Exhibitors Turn Investors" exhibition area, Hall 6.2, presenting its 65-year development history in China and its determination to support high-quality development in China with optical technology.

Implement China's development strategy and further advance the localization process.

As China has become the largest single market for Carl Zeiss AG globally in the past two years, its importance has become critical to the future development of Carl Zeiss. A localized development strategy centered on the Chinese market is imminent. On the afternoon of the 5th, Carl Zeiss held a strategic communication meeting at its CIIE booth, introducing its future strategic layout in China, its continued increased investment in China, and practical measures to deepen and implement the localization process to the media and audience present.

Carl Zeiss Greater China President and CEO Mr. Foster stated at the communication meeting: "Since first entering the Chinese market in 1957, Carl Zeiss has made an unwavering long-term commitment to China. We are actively responding to the construction of 'Regional Innovation High Ground' and the 'Healthy China' initiative. After fully considering the uniqueness of the Chinese market, we continuously innovate our localization model to meet diverse local needs."

Mr. Foster, President and CEO of Carl Zeiss Greater China Region

Strategic Layout in Key Economic Zones, Dual Boost in R&D and Production

Over the 65 years since Carl Zeiss entered the Chinese market, it has continuously refined its strategic layout. Today, Carl Zeiss has penetrated deep into the industrial chain hubs of both the Yangtze River Delta and the Pearl River Delta, supporting high-quality and sustainable development across multiple industries in China. In early 2022, as a further deepening and expansion of its localization process in China, Carl Zeiss invested $60 million to establish two investment companies in Shanghai, focusing on high-tech and medical industries respectively. On October 18, Carl Zeiss invested 170 million yuan in Suzhou Industrial Park to break ground on the construction of a new R&D and production base. This facility will provide localized R&D and production services for multiple business divisions including industrial quality, research microscopes, surgical microscopes, and ophthalmic equipment—marking Carl Zeiss's first land purchase and self-built project in China. Since 2021, Carl Zeiss AG’s headquarters has injected over 400 million yuan into its Guangzhou branch to further enhance smart manufacturing capabilities. With the completion of the Carl Zeiss Knowledge City manufacturing base in Guangzhou, Carl Zeiss will build a globally influential vision health industry ecosystem.

Deeply Integrated into China's Industrial Ecosystem, Partnering to Drive Innovation

At the Carl Zeiss China Strategy Communication Meeting, representatives of Carl Zeiss' partners also delivered speeches successively. Mr. Li Dong, researcher at the Institute of Biophysics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and founder of Naxi Photoelectric Technology Co., Ltd., stated: "As one of the leading providers of optical research equipment, Carl Zeiss is an enabler of fundamental biomedical research and imaging technology studies. From the development and accumulation of original technologies, industrialization, to supporting cutting-edge basic research, advanced technology development, and the implementation of Carl Zeiss' localization strategy in China, as well as the deployment of joint innovation technologies, Carl Zeiss has always maintained an open mindset. With globally advanced optical technology and a century of rich experience, it influences all aspects of the optical imaging industry’s development. It is hoped that with the continuous acceleration of local innovation, Carl Zeiss can create more new business models with local Chinese enterprises. By launching first-class microscopic imaging solutions, it can help more researchers enhance China's overall fundamental research level, ultimately transforming into scientific achievements that benefit all humanity."

Mr. Li Dong, Researcher at the Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Founder of Naxi Photoelectric Technology Co., Ltd.

A well-known expert in the field of myopia prevention and treatment in China, Professor Zhou Xingtao, president of the Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital affiliated with Fudan University, also stated: "The full life cycle eye health management solutions provided by Carl Zeiss play a very important role in myopia prevention and treatment. I believe that as Carl Zeiss's strategy in China is further advanced, it will bring more innovative products and solutions for myopia prevention and treatment, contributing to the realization of Healthy China."

Professor Xingtao Zhou, President of the Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University

This year marks the fifth participation of Carl Zeiss in the CIIE, as well as the 65th anniversary of Carl Zeiss' presence in China. The successive successful hosting of the CIIE fully demonstrates China's unwavering determination to pursue reform and opening-up and continuously optimize its business environment. As Carl Zeiss advances its localization strategy in China, it will further promote the innovative upgrading of the localized model in the future, leveraging China's leading industry resources in the world and integrating more deeply into China’s high-growth markets.