Bettina Schoen-Behanzin, Freudenberg Group regional representative for Asia, demonstrates equipment in the company's pavilion at the fifth China International Import Expo in Shanghai on Saturday. (Photo: Tao Xiang'an / People's Daily)

German companies at the fifth China International Import Expo in Shanghai expressed confidence in the Chinese market.

The world's first import-themed national-level expo opened on Saturday, November 5, a day after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited Beijing, and will close on Thursday.

"It's super-important that the dialogue between China and Germany continues because we have such an important and successful legacy in creating innovation together," Bjoern Sattler, chief financial officer of Boehringer Ingelheim China told the People's Daily. "We are committed to the Chinese market and to the innovative potential we see in China."

At the fourth expo pharmaceutical company Boehringer Ingelheim launched its partnership with the Wenjiang district government of Chengdu. At the fifth expo on Monday the Boehringer Ingelheim Consanas (Chengdu) Rehabilitation Center was unveiled.

China was Germany's most important trading partner in 2021 for the sixth consecutive year, according to the Federal Statistical Office of Germany.

The Freudenberg Group, a German technology solutions company, attended the expo for the first time and displayed new energy vehicle innovations.

"It's a great platform to meet and exchange local and international business partners, especially for sure, the government representatives," said Bettina Schoen-Behanzin, Freudenberg Group regional representative for Asia. "The high focus of the government to push innovation and technology is one of the advantages that China's market offers."

China's stated commitment to opening-up would provide "a stable and predictable business environment" to foster investment, she said.