Editor's Note: The fourth China International Import Expo in November 2021 saw purchasers play a significant part in the expo's success by clinching a large number of deals with exhibitors. Many purchasers have since shared their views about their gains and expressed confidence in the annual event.

Zong Qinghou, chairman of China's leading beverage maker Hangzhou Wahaha Group

Q: Why has Wahaha choosen to participate in every edition of the CIIE?

A: The China International Import Expo is the world's first import-themed national expo. We were a part of all four editions and I think that it has been a worthwhile endeavor.

Amid China's efforts to construct a new development pattern in which domestic and international circulations promote each other, the CIIE provides a good window and vision for domestic enterprises. For example, we can obtain firsthand digital intelligence information from the CIIE and learn what top companies around the world are doing. This allows us to position ourselves well and find a way to solve problems and realize growth.

Q: What did Wahaha gain from participating in the fourth CIIE?

A: By participating in the CIIE, we got a glimpse of the world's latest advanced technologies and this has provided inspiration for our company's strategic decision-making on smart manufacturing.

Wahaha had started its digital transformation very early and we wanted to learn things that would benefit this transformation through the CIIE. In recent years, we have made great efforts to push the "smart manufacturing" strategy. We aim to build Wahaha into a "Future Factory" by promoting the integration of the industry chain, innovation chain and supply chain. We hope that with the impetus the CIIE provides us, Wahaha will become more competitive and more adept in our use of new generation digital technology to drive innovation and reform.

Q: Was there anything that you found impressive at the CIIE?

A: I have been very impressed with the advanced equipment on display. The scale of the CIIE has continued to expand, and the level of exhibitors has also continued to improve. Since 2018, the technologies shown at the CIIE have been continuously updated. Now, with the application of digital technology and the opening of immersive digital exhibition halls, netizens are also able to experience the CIIE, which is a very lively and interesting experience.