China's industrial innovations in fields like smart manufacturing, clean energy, and artificial intelligence (AI) took center stage at Hannover Messe 2025, the world's largest industrial trade fair, which concluded in Germany on Friday.
The five-day event brought together approximately 4,000 exhibitors from 62 countries and regions. With around 1,000 participating Chinese companies, China formed the second-largest exhibitor group after the host country Germany, according to the organizer.
One standout example was Shenyang Huade High Technology Electric, a company from Liaoning Province that showcased its Sulphur Hexafluoride-free, high-voltage switchgear products.
Sulfur hexafluoride, or SF6, is a man-made gas that's widely used to create reliable electricity systems, but it's also extremely damaging to the environment. According to the head of the company, recent developments may help phase it out. "The help of global AI technology will make our products more international. We are also willing to work with people of insight to promote the global application of green and environmentally-friendly products," said Guo Shizheng, president of Shenyang Huade High Technology Electric.
Energy-efficient technologies were another highlight for Chinese exhibitors.
HiTS (Shanghai) Hydrogen Power Technology, which develops air-cooled fuel cell systems and large-scale hydrogen drones, was able to develop more international clients through the trade fair.
"We have already sold several of our drones and fuel cell systems in the Middle East, in South America, and some customers are from Europe," said Xiang Zhan, director of product management and application with the enterprise.
The growing presence of Chinese companies in AI also drew significant attention. Foreign businesses and experts emphasized the strategic importance of partnering with China in this rapidly advancing field.
"China holds significant advantages in high-tech fields, particularly in AI research. For example, nine of the world's top 10 AI research institutions and universities are in China. For German companies, establishing a presence or forming partnerships with China in this sector is crucial, as it enables them to tap into China's expertise," said Almut Roessner, executive member of the board for the German Asia-Pacific Business Association.
"All major companies are eager to collaborate with China on AI. China is not only a leader in technological development but also much faster in turning research outcomes into industrial applications. There are already many cases in this regard," said Thomas Kiefer, a German auto industry expert.
China's steady economic growth and continued commitment to opening up have further reinforced international confidence in the market.
Many multinational corporations with long-standing operations in China expressed plans to expand their investment in China. "The 5 percent growth forecast for this year is just confirming our confidence in the Chinese market, which is very large and strong. And this builds also for Schneider an opportunity to contribute and drive forward and make a very positive contribution to that by providing our solutions, and as I said, being very close to the market," said Ali Haj Fraj, senior vice president of Schneider Electric.
China's industrial innovations take center stage at Hannover Messe 2025
China's industrial innovations take center stage at Hannover Messe 2025
