A German healthcare expert has endeavored to foster closer collaboration with China in silver economy at the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE), as both nations face the issue of an aging population and growing demand for industries catering to the needs of the elderly.
Running from Nov 5 to 10, the seventh CIIE, a national-level expo dedicated to imports, attracted participants from 152 countries, regions, and international organizations.
Markus Fehr, Vice President of the German-Sino Healthcare Group and a fluent Chinese speaker, has been involved in healthcare cooperation with China for nearly 20 years. He said his primary goal at the expo was to focus on strengthening collaboration in the silver economy.
"Both in Germany and China, the aging population is becoming an increasingly important issue. In fact, Germany began experiencing demographic aging a few years earlier than China, so we have gained some valuable experience in this area," said Fehr at the expo venue.
According to Fehr, the German-Sino Healthcare Group has outlined a plan to cooperate with Chinese universities and is preparing to jointly establish a hospital with Chinese partners which will support research in the elderly care sector.
"The aging population is a global challenge, and international cooperation is needed to develop advanced technologies to address this issue. During this visit, we held an important meeting with Tongji University in Shanghai and its affiliated Shanghai East Hospital. We also signed a framework agreement with Hangzhou Normal University to establish a Sino-German international hospital, which will be a research-focused hospital," he said.
Meanwhile, Fehr noted that healthcare cooperation between China and Germany has become more reciprocal in recent years, as China's technological capabilities in this area have improved, moving beyond a one-way model where Germany was the main technical supporter.
"China has imported German technologies since 2005, but now the exchange is mutual, with Germany also learning from China and bringing Chinese-developed technologies to Europe," said the vice president.
At the CIIE, a special exhibition zone dedicated to elderly healthcare was set up, showcasing products for the aging population, such as new blood glucose meters, sleep pods, and home rehabilitation equipment. Some of these products are jointly developed by Chinese and German enterprises.
"We have set up two innovation incubators in China this year, with one in Beijing, aiming to accelerate innovation through collaboration with Chinese local businesses," said Zhou Xiaolan, President of Germany-based Bayer Group China.
German expert sees promising cooperation with China in silver economy at CIIE
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
