European businesses are seeing expanding opportunities in China's intelligent economy, advanced manufacturing sector and innovation-driven growth, with many viewing the country as an increasingly important global hub for industrial upgrading and future technologies, according to a senior representative of the European business community.

Speaking at the "CEO: Grow with China" roundtable on the sidelines of the 2026 World Intelligence Expo in Tianjin on Thursday, Dr. Christoph Schrempp, vice-chair of the European Chamber Tianjin Chapter, said China's rapid advances in artificial intelligence, automation and intelligent manufacturing are reshaping the global industrial landscape and creating new opportunities for cooperation between Europe and China.

He said emerging technologies and AI-driven business transformation are expected to significantly change the business environment over the coming years, while China's strengths in industrial deployment and manufacturing scale are accelerating this transition.

Highlighting China's rapid progress in industrial automation and robotics adoption, Schrempp said China currently has around 470 industrial robots per 10,000 workers, surpassing many other advanced economies.

He said China could become a global leader in robot density by around 2030.

Schrempp said Tianjin is emerging as a major hub for advanced manufacturing and AI industries, supported by strong industrial foundations, research capabilities and talent resources.

According to official data, Tianjin's AI economy has reached around 300 billion yuan ($44.3 billion), accounting for a significant share of the city's economic output.

He said Tianjin has strong potential to play a leading role in several AI-related fields and could further strengthen its global profile through enhanced branding and promotion.

Despite global economic uncertainties, confidence among European companies in China is gradually improving, according to the European Chamber of Commerce's latest Business Confidence Survey 2026.

Schrempp said sectors such as aerospace, aviation, pharmaceuticals and machinery remain among the most optimistic industries regarding future growth and productivity.

He also said opportunities for European businesses are particularly strong in areas that improve productivity, including AI, green technologies and intelligent manufacturing.

Looking ahead, Schrempp said China will continue to provide valuable opportunities for international businesses seeking innovation, competitiveness and long-term growth.

"In my view, China will continue to develop very fast," he said.

"If you want to learn how to manage your business in a very dynamic and fast developing business environment, then come to China and learn from the fastest to be able to compete globally more successfully."