How do you assess the prospects of Ericsson in China in conjunction with the Chinese market and economy?
I believe Ericsson China has a bright future; we have been in China for 125 years next year and we are planning for another 125. It's a dynamic, challenging and highly competitive market and will increasingly drive the future of global communications, so we are highly committed and will continue to contribute to China's economic growth and social development into the future.
Do you have any plans for new investments in China in the next few years? Do you plan to add to your R&D efforts in China?
We have a significant investment in China already, with over 11,000 people in the country covering sales, manufacturing, R&D, global service center and other global functions.
We also source a considerable portion of equipment and components in China for our global operations. We are currently increasing our R&D resources to prepare for 5G.
What do you think of the opportunities and challenges facing your company amid recent traditional industry reform in China? How does Ericsson fit into the national strategy of "Made in China 2025" and "Internet Plus"?
Our industry is ever-changing so we are used to change. We are in a continuous transformation to stay relevant and competitive in such a dynamic industry.
For us, change is good and to be embraced.
Ericsson has been manufacturing in China since 1992 and our factory in Nanjing is one of only two main manufacturing hubs globally.
Made in China 2025 is a key initiative for us, as manufacturing is transformed by increased development in robotics and the industrial internet powered by 5G technology.
Internet Plus is our core business and the benefits to Chinese society of a Networked Society, where everything that can be connected will be connected, are huge.
What's the biggest difference between the China market and the other markets? What are the challenges in the China market?
The China market is at the forefront of technology.
It's not watching other countries, it's taking a lead. Adding to that, the huge scale in the country combined with the incredible speed in which that scale is deployed, you have a unique combination that sets China apart.
China is an incredibly exciting and dynamic market with all the challenges to a business that cutting edge technology on a huge scale with high speed deployment entails, but it is also a market where the world's leading companies need to be for those very same reasons.
