Thailand’s agrifood giant Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group is confident in deepening its presence in China’s vast and increasingly open market, said Senior Vice President Huang Weiwei.
Speaking to local media during the China International Import Expo (CIIE), Mr Huang emphasized that China’s steady progress in high-level opening-up has reinforced CP Group’s long-term commitment.
He noted that amid rising global protectionism, China’s decision to hold a national expo focused on imports reflects both openness and economic confidence.
“The CIIE embodies China’s commitment to global cooperation,” he said.
Thailand is the guest country of honor at this year’s CIIE. CP Group has joined all seven editions of the expo, which has expanded in scale and content with each passing year.
From agrifood products to supply chain management and food processing technologies, CP Group’s booth showcases how the century-old enterprise continues to grow and innovate in China.
This year, CP Group introduced several Thai brands not affiliated with the company. Mr Huang said the goal is to help more quality Thai brands reach Chinese and global buyers through the CIIE platform.
“We participate not only to display but also to learn,” he added. “We will review our own business, learn from our peers, and explore new cooperation opportunities.”
Expanding footprint and innovation in China
CP Group was among the first foreign enterprises to invest in China following its opening-up policy in the 1970s. Over the decades, the company has witnessed China’s transformation and deepened its presence across the country. Today, CP operates its most advanced unmanned food processing plants in Qingdao and Qinhuangdao.
“We built our most advanced plants in China because the country offers the best technology, talent, and market foundation,” Mr Huang said.
The open business environment has also enabled CP Group to refine its operations and innovate its business models.
With over 600 enterprises and nearly 90,000 employees in China, CP Group ranks among the largest multinational investors in the country. Mr Huang noted that China now accounts for roughly 30% of the group’s total revenue, underscoring its strategic importance.
Future-focused: AI and intelligent manufacturing
Looking ahead, CP Group plans to accelerate its digital transformation in China, driven by the country’s rapid development in artificial intelligence (AI). Mr Huang said the group’s next-decade investment will focus on high-tech industries, robotics, and intelligent manufacturing.
“China’s innovation vitality and development speed are a driving force in global industrial upgrading,” he said. CP aims to apply the AI models and innovative experience gained in China to its operations in Thailand and other countries, helping its global businesses enter the ‘AI+’ era.”