On the morning of August 24 and the afternoon of August 25, Chen Jining, Mayor of Beijing, held separate meetings with Zhou Xiaolan, President of Bayer Greater China, and Andy Ho, member of the Royal Philips Executive Committee and Chief Market Leader of Philips Greater China, to exchange views on cooperation in healthcare and agricultural technology.

During his meeting with Zhou Xiaolan, Chen highlighted Beijing's abundant medical resources and broad market, and expressed his expectation for Bayer to fully leverage Beijing's advantages, such as its skilled workforce, encouraging the company to deepen collaboration with local universities and research institutes in basic research and clinical trials to facilitate the commercialization of research results and achieve win-win outcomes. As Beijing expedites the development of Pinggu Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Demonstration Zone, Chen welcomed Bayer's sustained interest in the city's agricultural development and encouraged Bayer to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with Beijing for continuous advancement of the modern urban agriculture in the region.

Zhou expressed her commitment to working closely with Beijing and seeking more cooperation with local universities and research-oriented hospitals in talent cultivation for scientific research and R&D of medical technologies.

During his meeting with Andy Ho, Chen highlighted Beijing's efforts in implementing the Master Plan of Development for Beijing (2016-2035) and strengthening its role as an international innovation center. The city, which has undergone profound transformation in its urban development model, is pursuing development with reduced input and accelerating the upgrading of its industrial structure. Boasting the richest innovation resources, the most prolific innovative achievements, the best innovation environment and the most vibrant entrepreneurial scene in China, Beijing has emerged as a beacon that draws in science and technology innovation factors. To provide a favorable environment for multinational companies in Beijing, the city has made consistent efforts to optimize its business environment, expand high-level opening-up, and deepen the development of the "two zones". Moreover, Beijing's medical service market holds enormous potential and has rich clinical resources of high quality, which provides strong support for the R&D, innovation and industrial application of medical equipment. Chen encourages Philips to tap into Beijing's advantages in sci-tech innovation and grasp the trend of consumption upgrading. Chen also expressed support for Philips to establish its R&D headquarters of Greater China in Beijing and engage in innovative collaborations with local research institutions such as research-oriented hospitals to conduct technical research, clinical trials, and results commercialization. Relevant departments are fully prepared to provide services and support for Philips and other foreign enterprises.

Ho praised Beijing's impressive achievements and expressed his aspirations to deepen healthcare cooperation with the city by expediting the establishment of the R&D headquarters in Beijing and increasing R&D investment for more innovative breakthroughs.

Dai Binbin, Secretary General of the Beijing Municipal Government, attended the meetings.

(Written by: Yang Qi)