Beijing, China — ABB CEO Morten Wierod attended the China Development High-Level Forum 2026 Annual Meeting, joining global business leaders, policymakers, and technology executives to discuss the future of global economic cooperation, advanced manufacturing, and industrial digitalization.

The forum, widely recognized as one of China’s most influential high-level economic dialogue platforms, gathered multinational corporations and thought leaders to explore sustainable growth strategies, global supply chain resilience, and innovation-driven industrial transformation.

Focus on Industrial Automation and Smart Manufacturing

During the discussions, ABB emphasized the accelerating shift toward intelligent manufacturing systems powered by robotics, artificial intelligence, and industrial IoT technologies. As a global leader in electrification and automation, ABB highlighted its ongoing commitment to supporting industrial upgrading across China and global markets.

Key topics addressed by ABB leadership included:

• Expansion of smart factory solutions and robotics integration
• Energy efficiency and sustainable industrial operations
• Digital transformation of manufacturing supply chains
• Advanced motion control, PLC systems, and industrial drives innovation

The company noted that China remains a critical hub for industrial innovation and advanced manufacturing, playing a central role in global automation demand and technology deployment.

Strengthening Global Industrial Cooperation

The participation of ABB’s CEO underscored the importance of cross-border collaboration in addressing challenges such as decarbonization, energy transition, and industrial resilience. The discussions also reflected growing interest in combining digital technologies with traditional manufacturing systems to improve productivity and sustainability.

Industry observers noted that multinational industrial automation companies continue to see strong opportunities in China’s evolving manufacturing landscape, particularly in sectors such as automotive, renewable energy, and high-end equipment production.

ABB’s Strategic Outlook in China

ABB reaffirmed its long-term strategy in China, focusing on:

• Localization of advanced automation technologies
• Investment in R&D for robotics and electrification solutions
• Expansion of digital industrial platforms
• Support for green manufacturing and carbon neutrality goals

With increasing demand for high-efficiency production systems, ABB continues to position itself as a key technology partner for China’s industrial modernization agenda.