Shanghai, Nov. 10 (Xinhua) -- "We are full of confidence in China's development direction. During the fourth China International Import Expo, Shi Mengze, chairman of cargill Asia Pacific, said in an interview that Cargill is happy to see China continue to open up, welcome foreign investment, and is optimistic about the future development of the Chinese market.
This year coincides with the 50th anniversary of Cargill's entry into the Chinese market, and the multinational agricultural products company that has participated in the Expo for the fourth consecutive year has specially built a 500-square-meter exhibition area, the largest scale in the past. Low-sugar diets, "cod" and "small crispy meats" made from plant-based proteins, new products for pet nutrition and beauty care... The company combines 50 years of experience in China into a rich variety of innovative exhibits.
Shi Mengze believes that the Expo is not only a platform for enterprises to reach transactions, but also a good communication and coordination mechanism. "We like the Expo because it makes our circle of friends bigger and our business grows further." He said.
Shi Mengze (center) at the Cargill booth of the 4th CIIE. Images courtesy of the respondents
At this expo, Cargill brought more than 100 kinds of innovative achievements in imported food and product raw materials such as protein and grain and oil products, immune health products, food ingredient products, industrial products, etc., with a signed amount of more than 2 billion US dollars.
Behind the continuous increase in the Size of the Expo is Cargill's optimism about the Chinese market. In the past few years, Cargill has invested in Songyuan, Jilin Province, Rizhao, Shandong, Yichun, Jiangxi, and Chuzhou, Anhui Province, to expand production capacity or build new factories. "With a proven track record in China, we are confident of investing more in China." Schmunze said.
Shi Mengze believes that the new development pattern of "double circulation" proposed by the Chinese government provides new opportunities for Cargill's development. Cargill imports its products into China, where it is produced and processed to meet the needs of Chinese consumers.
"We have about 10,000 employees serving the domestic market. Data from the Chinese market is crucial for us. "We are very actively involved in the construction of international agricultural supply chains." Cargill has always supported open trade because it is not only in the interest of business, but also for the sustainable development of the world. Trade is essential if the food and nutrition needs of a growing population are to be met in a sustainable manner. ”
Not only that, in his view, China's carbon emission reduction goals are also in line with Cargill's development philosophy. "The sustainability strategy is one of our main drivers." "We will meet the expected targets as required by the Paris Agreement, and we will also strive to make the company's management aware of the Chinese government's carbon reduction targets and measures," he said. ”
Cargill booth of the 4th CIIE. Images courtesy of the respondents
While China has achieved performance growth, Cargill is also feeding social development by helping rural revitalization. At the third CIIE, Cargill reached a cooperation with the China Agricultural Science and Education Foundation, and through donations, Cargill joined hands with the foundation to carry out farmer training and provide scholarships for agricultural college students.
When it comes to Cargill's future development in China, Shi Mengze is full of confidence. "We believe it is very important for us that China strives to provide an increasingly level playing field for enterprises at home and abroad. We can grow in tandem with domestic businesses, and that's happening. He said.