Zeiss top exec: Learn from China speed

German optical systems giant Zeiss has officially inaugurated its Greater China Headquarters Campus in Shanghai’s Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, representing the company’s most substantial infrastructure investment in China to date. The February 7th launch ceremony marked a significant milestone in Zeiss’s strategic expansion within the Chinese market.

In an exclusive interview with China Daily, Martin Fischer, President and CEO of Zeiss Greater China, expressed extraordinary confidence in China’s economic landscape and development pace. Fischer emphasized that Zeiss aims to embrace what he termed ‘China speed’ – the remarkable rapidity of development and implementation characteristic of China’s business environment.

‘We are not hesitating to invest in our future here,’ Fischer stated, highlighting the company’s long-term commitment to the Chinese market. The new campus signifies more than just physical infrastructure; it represents Zeiss’s dedication to integrating more deeply within China’s innovation ecosystem and manufacturing capabilities.

The investment comes at a time when many multinational corporations are reevaluating their China strategies amid evolving global supply chains. Zeiss’s substantial commitment demonstrates a contrasting approach, betting on continued growth and technological advancement within the Chinese market. The headquarters will serve as a central hub for Zeiss’s operations across Greater China, coordinating research, development, and commercial activities throughout the region.