German optics and optoelectronics giant Zeiss Group has begun construction of its Greater China headquarters campus in the Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone in Shanghai's Pudong New Area, marking its largest single infrastructure investment in China to date.

The new facility, with a planned construction area exceeding 50,000 square meters, underscores Zeiss's commitment to deepening its integration into the local innovation ecosystem.

The campus will consolidate key functions, including management, operations, sales, research and development, production, and supply chain. It will also house the largest customer experience center in Greater China, along with multiple advanced laboratories, enhancing Zeiss's operational efficiency and market responsiveness in the region.

Strategically, the facility aligns with Zeiss's innovation layout across the Yangtze River Delta and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, strengthening its R&D capabilities in China. Zeiss plans to deepen collaboration with local research institutions and universities, advancing open innovation through cross-sector collaboration and accelerating its integration into the local innovation system.

Andreas Pecher, president and CEO of the Zeiss Group, noted that since the group established a presence in Waigaoqiao in 1999, China has gradually become its largest and most dynamic market globally. Over the past decade, both Zeiss's operating revenue in China and its tax contributions to Shanghai have multiplied, laying the foundation for further expansion.

Martin Fischer, president and CEO of Zeiss Greater China, emphasized the strategic importance of the Chinese market despite discussions of a global economic slowdown.

He said that the long-term outlook of Chinese market remains positive, and China has enormous potential, including a large number of university graduates, especially engineers, a vast market space, and a stable business environment.

Investing in China is a wise decision that requires little hesitation, noted Fischer.

Fischer also highlighted that while many companies explore markets in India and Southeast Asia, China's market maturity, industrial strength, and innovation capabilities set it apart.

Zeiss is investing heavily in R&D, allocating about 15 percent of its global revenue to innovation and research. The company is focused on disruptive innovations, with the Chinese market playing a pivotal role in leveraging new breakthroughs in AI, Fischer added.

Source: Jiefang Daily