The second China International Supply Chain Expo, held from Nov. 26 to 30 in Beijing, was themed "Connecting the World for a Shared Future."

The five-day event featured more than 600 global companies that showcased innovative products, technologies and materials, emphasizing collaboration between enterprises of varying sizes across industry chains.

A notable highlight of the expo was the participation of several "Global Lighthouse Network" (GLN) enterprises, whose achievements drew significant attention.

The network, a joint initiative of the World Economic Forum and McKinsey, pools wisdom on operational futures and new technologies' impact on production. This growing community of organizations sets future trends with its use of digital and analytics tools across the value chain to drive growth and productivity, improve resilience and deliver environmental sustainability.

GLN members represent excellence in smart manufacturing while guiding other companies toward digital transformation. These industry leaders set standards for both suppliers and customers, helping advance modern industrial practices.

GE HealthCare expands smart manufacturing, supply network

GE HealthCare is a global innovator in medical technology, diagnostic drugs and digital solutions. Its Beijing factory became a new GLN enterprise this year. At the expo, it showcased its nuclear medicine and precision medicine industry chain, highlighting its supply chain innovation capabilities in China.

GE HealthCare's booth [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

As one of the first international medical companies to invest in China, GE HealthCare has built six bases and seven factories there. The company is committed to promoting the localization of high-end medical equipment, has cultivated more than 1,000 local suppliers and has helped more than 160 specialized and sophisticated "little giant" businesses move toward world-class quality standards. Its average annual purchases from Chinese suppliers reached nearly 10 billion yuan ($1.38 billion).

One of the highlights of GE HealthCare at the expo was its comprehensive layout in the field of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging. Relying on production bases in Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai and Chengdu, the company exhibited its molecular imaging capabilities, including imaging agents production, drug synthesis, image acquisition and data processing, aimed at providing precise disease diagnosis and treatment.

At the expo, GE HealthCare China President and CEO Zhang Yihao said the company would promote the development of high-end, intelligent and green domestic supply chains to ensure the stable supply of medical equipment and services, maintain supply chain stability and achieve win-win results.

Tsingtao Brewery builds global supply chain excellence

Tsingtao Brewery, exhibiting with the theme "Smart Chains around the World for Global Toast," demonstrated its important role in the global supply chain and its progress in digital transformation in the Healthy Life Chain Exhibition Area of the expo.

Tsingtao Brewery's booth [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

In its 121-year history, Tsingtao Brewery has evolved from a local factory into a world-renowned brand, largely due to its innovative supply chain ecosystem. The company embraces the philosophy "Global Sourcing, Chinese Quality, Enjoyed by the World," using beer as a medium to bridge global connections and optimize its international supply chain. Sourcing from 35 countries, Tsingtao Brewery annually procures 800,000 tons of barley and 3,000 tons of hops from premium growing regions worldwide. 

In 2021, Tsingtao Brewery's production base in Qingdao was recognized as the world's first "sustainability lighthouse" in the food and beverage industry, demonstrating its achievements in digital innovation and green and low-carbon development. 

Tsingtao Brewery also leverages digital technology to create immersive experiences that strengthen consumer engagement and brand connection.

Bosch China deepens local innovation, partnerships

Bosch China exhibited its products and services at a joint booth with XPeng Motors, Rio Tinto Group and China Baowu Steel Group Corporation, showcasing cutting-edge technologies in the smart car supply chain.

Bosch China exhibits its products and services at a joint booth with XPeng Motors, Rio Tinto Group and China Baowu Steel Group Corporation. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

Speaking at the event, Bosch China President Xu Daquan said that an innovative and resilient supply chain system, along with industrial chain synergy between upstream and downstream partners, is the key to successful development in the Chinese market.

This concept was fully reflected at this year's expo. In the smart car chain exhibition area, Bosch China displayed a series of innovative solutions covering core technologies such as hydrogen fuel cells, electrification, after-sales service, motor intelligent control and driving safety, highlighting the company's significant presence in smart mobility.

Bosch has continuously optimized its production process through advanced Internet of Things, artificial intelligence and big data technologies, achieving high automation and intelligence while setting industry benchmarks. In 2022, its Changsha factory in Hunan was selected as a lighthouse factory, demonstrating its breakthroughs in smart manufacturing.

In another significant development, Bosch China has formed a strategic partnership with Chinese tech giant Tencent to explore intelligent network technology applications. The collaboration focuses on vehicle operating systems and data security, with the partnership aimed at improving supply chain digitalization while driving innovation in China's automotive industry.

Beyond these initiatives, Bosch has strengthened its local manufacturing capabilities through partnerships with Chinese companies. The company's successful localization of key component production has enhanced the resilience and competitiveness of China's smart car supply chain.

As global manufacturing undergoes digital and intelligent transformation, the expo provided companies with a platform for showcasing innovation while demonstrating how advanced technology and supply chain optimization can improve competitiveness and support sustainable industry development.