Since I worked in China, I have been deeply impressed by the Chinese way of making friends extensively, which is a reflection of the Confucian proverb - "it is such a delight to have friends coming from afar".

In 2018, I knew that China planned to hold the first China International Import Expo (CIIE). In my opinion, the CIIE serves as a platform that opens the Chinese market to the world, and allows AGC, a world leading material manufacturer, to send messages to the world, which is why AGC decided to join the CIIE.

AGC wanted to submit an application for a spacious exhibition booth at the CIIE. However, when AGC officially applied, there weren't many spacious ones left. I felt compelled to fully showcase AGC's charm at the CIIE, so I went to see the person in charge of operations, in the hopes that the person would be moved by my sincerity and share of AGC's philosophy. I then made a vow to do everything in my power to provide AGC with a roomy booth. I was moved by the individual's unwavering support for me, a foreigner he had just met, although I was well aware of the difficulties of coordinating. I was able to experience the friendliness and generosity of Chinese people.

Eventually AGC got its desirable booth at the first CIIE, during which AGC's five advanced technologies made their world premiere and the corporation also announced its change of Group name to "AGC". It received wide attention from governments, enterprises and media outlets at the event.

That was only one of the heartwarming and thrilling stories from previous CIIE event. Supply chains connect the rest of the world, including China. The CIIE has forged ties between China and the outside world. The expo not only displays state-of-the-art technology, but also emphasizes social issues and environmental protection.

Thanks to CIIE, foreign businesses now better grasp Chinese policies and the direction of industrial development. Leading businesses from many industries join and interact at the CIIE, which may present prospects for innovation.

Since 2018, AGC has attended every CIIE held annually. At the third CIIE, Ren Hongbing, now chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), visited the AGC booth and spoke highly of AGC's technologies and vision after listening to the company's report on business development in China since the reform and opening-up policies were implemented in the country. Ren's visit inspired AGC's 6,000 employees in China, and AGC's participation in the CIIE over the years symbolizes the company's recognition by its peers as well as marks its indispensable role in the Chinese market.

AGC will participate in the fifth CIIE this year to display AGC's creative carbon neutrality products. I hope that AGC's subsidiaries, the Chinese government and clients will join the grand event and visit the AGC booth.