Global CEOs Scout Shanghai’s Fuxing Island for Innovation Potential

Executives from major global firms toured development projects on the island, signaling a renewed interest in Shanghai’s capacity for large-scale industrial scaling. Jurgen Tinggren, chairman of Bekaert, lauded the city as an exemplary urban center, pointing to the local workforce's agility in adopting digital tools and robotics. For veterans like Stefan Borgas, CEO of RHI Magnesita, the contrast between the island's current state and his first visit in 1991 highlights a rapid, sustained trajectory of growth.

Beyond mere observation, the delegation emphasized the necessity of integrating Chinese expertise into their international strategies. Arnd Franz, CEO of MAHLE GmbH, identified the automotive sector as a primary target for future collaboration, noting that scaling affordable technology within the Chinese market remains a critical component for global economic momentum. Since its inception in 1989, the IBLAC has evolved from a small advisory group into a network of 42 members, consistently shaping the city’s infrastructure and development priorities.