The "China Embraces the World" Automotive Industry Innovation Forum explores how Chinese car brands can gain global recognition. [Photo/jiading.gov.cn]
The 2025 Global Chinese Automotive Elites Annual Conference and the "China Embraces the World" Automotive Industry Innovation Forum took place in Jiading district, Shanghai, on Oct 25.
The event gathered industry leaders and experts to discuss strategies for Chinese car brands to achieve international recognition. It emphasized how Chinese automakers can move from merely "selling globally" to becoming "recognized worldwide".
Liu Yan, deputy secretary-general of the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, highlighted the progression of Chinese brands from being "seen" to gaining true "recognition". She stressed the importance of technology, culture, and user experience in enhancing brand reputation.
Cui Dongshu, secretary-general of the National Passenger Car Market Information Association, forecasted that China's automotive exports will hit between 6 and 7 million units by 2025.
Cao Xi, a former BYD executive, emphasized the necessity for Chinese automakers to move from simply "selling products" to actively "building brands".
The forum also discussed ways Chinese automakers can boost their global competitiveness by adopting environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, providing strategies to expand their international influence with an emphasis on sustainability.
This event, now in its 12th year in Jiading, emphasizes the district's goal to become a global automotive center. In 2024, Jiading's automotive sector generated 305.41 billion yuan ($43.04 billion), accounting for nearly 65 percent of the district's total industrial output.
In July, Jiading introduced a plan to develop an intelligent connected new energy vehicle industry cluster by 2030, aiming for an industry scale of over 350 billion yuan.
"Jiading offers a complete industrial chain and deeply meets the entrepreneurial needs of overseas Chinese automotive experts," said Zhu Run, a HR manager from the Automotive Talent Research Association. She hopes that the Global Chinese Automotive Elites Association will partner with Jiading to bring together international expertise and local industry practices, supporting Chinese automakers in their global expansion.
"I want to use this platform to join the wave of Chinese automakers going global and benefit from global opportunities," said Lin Lianjie, CEO of Light Cone Apex (Shanghai). The event offered him important industry insights and the opportunity to connect with leading professionals worldwide, which he considers a major asset for his business.
Jiading is home to 160,000 automotive professionals, including 75,000 specialized talents. The district actively seeks global automotive experts to drive innovation and entrepreneurship, providing extensive support.