As a repeat participant in the China International Import Expo, US-based industrial automation company Rockwell Automation sees the event as a vital platform for strategic focus and aligning with its core philosophy of openness, said a senior executive of the company.

"The CIIE, in a way, represents a platform for China's high-level opening-up," Ian Shih, president of Rockwell Automation (China) Co Ltd, said. "As a core player in new quality productive forces, we see great potential at the CIIE to connect a cross-sector ecosystem, especially in new energy, advanced equipment, biopharma, and new technologies."

Reflecting on past participation, Shih said it helped the firm "continuously expand our influence within our specific focus areas." The CIIE helps industrial players break out of narrow circles, allowing this "production-based service chain leader" to broaden its ecosystem.

This year, the company plans to further strengthen this ecosystem. "We will further advance in medical, transportation, technology, and energy sectors to expand our influence," Shih said.

Shih highlighted China's unique, comprehensive industrial chain covering 666 sub-categories as a key strategic opportunity. Leveraging its DNA in horizontal integration, the firm is now pivoting to support Chinese companies in globalizing, a shift from its roots of helping multinationals enter China back in 1988.

"This trend makes our positioning more important than ever," Shih said, "and brings more value to Chinese enterprises."