The just-concluded China International Import Expo (CIIE) was a valuable opportunity for multinational corporations to exchange ideas with peers, customers and government leaders, according to a senior executive from Johnson Controls.

Anu Rathninde, president of Johnson Controls Asia Pacific, said: "This year marks the eighth consecutive year for Johnson Controls' participation in the CIIE.

"CIIE is an important platform for China's high-level opening-up and a gateway connecting global innovation with the Chinese market. For Johnson Controls, it is an exceptional opportunity to deeply participate in the sustainable development in China, as well as a platform to create win-win potentials with our local partners."

Rathninde said that, as the CIIE evolves, it is attracting more and more attention, not only as a stage for product showcases, but also as a platform for cross-border and cross-sector collaborations.

"We've seen from CIIE that China has huge market potential," he added.

"There are significant opportunities for sustainable development in a lot of areas, like data centers, industrial heat pumps, green buildings and campuses, to mention just a few."

Rathninde said that "our observations at CIIE also indicate that Chinese customers are seeking integrated smart solutions designed for their industry's full lifecycle, rather than only individual products".

Johnson Controls, which is 140 years old this year, entered the Chinese market 30 years ago and currently has more than 40 branches in the country, along with four manufacturing bases, and two research and development centers.

"Joining hands with local partners, we will definitely continue to pursue huge opportunities in the market, support the sustainable development in China, and deeply participate in the country's high-quality development," Rathninde said.

zhengyiran@chinadaily.com.cn