Hangzhou: Ma Jishen expressed enthusiasm as Bayer, the German healthcare and agribusiness giant, quickly achieved its designed production capacity at its new factory, where he serves as director. The Bayer Crop Science Hangzhou Production Site, located in Hangzhou, spans 4 hectares and represents an investment exceeding 300 million yuan (approximately 41.18 million U.S. dollars). It began operations on January 15 and is expected to generate an output value of 2 billion yuan this year.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the production site focuses on a variety of crop protection products, including insecticides, seed treatments, and growth regulators for key crops like rice, corn, wheat, and fruits and vegetables. Bayer supports sustainable agricultural practices by offering crop protection solutions and safe pesticide use techniques.
The site features automated and intelligent production lines, reducing the need for production staff. “On average, each production line requires fewer than one employee. We aim to set an advanced example of green manufacturing here,” said Ma. Since 2000, Bayer has invested over 1 billion yuan in its Hangzhou plant.
Ma attributes the new factory’s success to China’s vast market potential, complete industrial chain, and supportive local government services. He highlighted China’s market as key for agriculture, with strong demand and growth, particularly in the Yangtze River Delta region.
Bayer collaborates with local partners for new product development and focuses on reducing environmental impact through biologicals and green solutions. The company has also upgraded its innovation center in China, one of its 17 global hubs.
Several German companies are expanding their investments in the Yangtze River Delta region. ZEISS Group plans to establish its Greater China headquarters in Shanghai, while Bartec Thermal Control and Safety System (PingHu) Co., Ltd. launched its Asia-Pacific headquarters in Pinghu, Zhejiang.
In 2024, the number of new foreign-invested enterprises in China rose by 9.9 percent, with a cumulative total exceeding 1.23 million. The actual use of foreign capital reached 20.6 trillion yuan. An action plan to stabilize foreign investment was approved, emphasizing sectors like telecommunication, biotechnology, and medical services.
A survey by the German Chamber of Commerce in China found that 92 percent of surveyed companies intend to continue operating in China. “We’re optimistic about China’s economic resilience, technological progress, and focus on low-carbon and rural development,” said Ma, highlighting Bayer’s commitment to contributing to global opportunities through its investment in China.